tailgunner
Bomber's rear shooter
A tailgunner is a crew member stationed at the rear of a military aircraft, typically a bomber, who operates a gun turret to defend against enemy fighters approaching from behind.
The position was especially prominent during World War II, when large bombers like the B-17 were vulnerable to rear attacks.
Figuratively, tailgunner can describe someone who provides backup or covers vulnerabilities, or who attacks from a protected position.
The tailgunner spotted enemy fighters closing in fast.
Protruding fortified structure
- bomberExplosive-delivery aircraft or saboteur
- B-17Heavy American bomber
- LancasterEnglish dynasty, fifteenth century
- fuselageAircraft's central structure
dorsal · ventral · Sperry · ammunition · caliber · traverse · elevation · gunsight
Back portion or raise
isolated · cramped · lonely · vulnerable · exposed · cold · unpressurized · confined
One who pilots aircraft
- sergeantMid-level military rank
- aircrewAircraft operating personnel
- navigatorRoute-directing crew member
- bombardierPlane's payload releaser
pilot · co-pilot · skipper · squadron · mission · briefing · debriefing · rotation
Intense hostile reaction
- dogfightClose combat between aircraft
- interceptionSeizing something in transit
- strafingAerial gunfire at ground
- evasionAct of escaping detection
tracer · burst · lead · range · bandit · bogey · incoming · kill
German military aviation
- air-raidsAttacks by warplanes
- P-51American WWII fighter aircraft
- aceSingle-pip card
- RegensburgBavarian city on Danube
turret
Protruding fortified structure
- bomberExplosive-delivery aircraft or saboteur
- B-17Heavy American bomber
- LancasterEnglish dynasty, fifteenth century
fuselage · dorsal · ventral · Sperry · ammunition · caliber · traverse · elevation · gunsight · intercom
rear
Back portion or raise
stern · isolated · cramped · lonely · vulnerable · exposed · cold · unpressurized · confined · solitary
airman
One who pilots aircraft
- sergeantMid-level military rank
- aircrewAircraft operating personnel
- navigatorRoute-directing crew member
bombardier · pilot · co-pilot · skipper · squadron · mission · briefing · debriefing · rotation · tour
flak
Intense hostile reaction
- dogfightClose combat between aircraft
- interceptionSeizing something in transit
- strafingAerial gunfire at ground
evasion · tracer · burst · lead · range · bandit · bogey · incoming · kill · confirmed
Luftwaffe
German military aviation