Bf 110 and schräge Musik

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maltesefalcon
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Location: Canada

Bf 110 and schräge Musik

#1

Post by maltesefalcon » 24 Jul 2017, 01:18

Quick question. When schräge Musik was installed in a Bf 110, was it now a 2 man crew?
i.e. Did the extra guns take over the place where the rear gunner normally sat, thus depriving him of his cockpit position?

I have checked numerous online references to this and they don't agree. Some say three crew, some say two.

Anyone know for sure?

RandJS
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Re: Bf 110 and schräge Musik

#2

Post by RandJS » 24 Jul 2017, 01:42

Hi,

Quick reply see picture here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schr%C3%A4ge_Musik

Looks like rear gunner still on board.
However, some versions may have deleted the rear gunner also.

Regards,
Rand


maltesefalcon
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Joined: 03 Sep 2003, 19:15
Location: Canada

Re: Bf 110 and schräge Musik

#3

Post by maltesefalcon » 24 Jul 2017, 04:21

Thanks for replying. I guess if the rear gun is still there the gunner must be too. Come to think of it, someone has to change the ammo drums, assuming there are spares.

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ChrisMAg2
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Re: Bf 110 and schräge Musik

#4

Post by ChrisMAg2 » 24 Jul 2017, 04:38

Actualy all 3 scenarios were possible and practiced:
• Standard practice was 2 man crew with radio/ radar operator also serving as rear gunner.
• 2 man crew with radio/ radar operator only in this role, rear gun deleted.
• 3 man crew with dedicated members to their function as radio/ radar operator and rear gunner.

On replacing spent SM ammo:
The pilot has a counter for the ammo levels. And there are at least 60 rounds (90 in the bigger drums) in a drum for the SM MG/FF. A short burst will make you spent between 3-10 rounds per gun only. A drum replacement is not that necessary, that you need a man on permanent standby. If necessary the radio/ radar operator could just do it.
Regards
Christian M. Aguilar

Denniss
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Re: Bf 110 and schräge Musik

#5

Post by Denniss » 24 Jul 2017, 23:52

but it was better to have a third pair of eyes watching your rear in case an enemy NF popped-up or to spot/identify possible targets

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