[:D] Well after a bit of research i finaly found out what the round hatch in the underside of the Lancaster was used for.
In some early B1s, DG595 the second prototype and R5556 of 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron, it was where the Frazer Nash FN64 remotely controled ventral turret was situated. Later it was the ideal spot for the H2S radar. On all other aircraft it was just left with a cover to avoid disruption to the production lines. Most , if not all, of the ventral turret a/c went to No 44 Squadron.
Hope this clears up the mystery.
Dai
Cool!
I thought it was the turret … Thanks for sharing Dai.
Bruce
According to “British Aircraft Armament Vol 1” by R Wallace Clarke, a number of both MkI & II Lancasters were fitted with this turret, though its use was not widespread. Apparently the ventral turret was re-introduced during June 1944 when daylight raids became possible and 4 Polish squadrons from 5 Group had them installed in place of the H2S
If memory serves, and it probably doesn’t, one of the Canadian squadrons was trying to re-instal these turrets just prior to the run up to the disasterous Nuremberg raid of late March 44.
Apparently some of the crews felt that some form of defence from attack from below was required. Obvously a response to the threat of Schrage Musik, even though the allies were unaware of it’s existence until much later in the war, and when the Canadians were being told they didn’t need belly turrets!
Karl