Anson turret
The Anson aircraft featured different types of turrets depending on the variant and its specific role, particularly evolving from manually operated to hydraulically operated systems.
Initially, the Anson I (military prototype Avro 652A K4771 and early production models) was fitted with an Armstrong Whitworth manually-operated turret located amidships. This turret was sometimes described as a ‘birdcage’ turret. Despite its appearance, it was not power-operated; the gunner manually rotated the cupola with rhodoid glazing by sitting on a bicycle-style seat and pushing it with their feet on the floorboards. This initial turret was armed with one Lewis or Vickers K .303 in. gun. The Anson’s defensive armament, including this turret, was considered “poor” and comparable to World War One types.
Over time, and especially for training roles, the turret system evolved:
• Bristol Mk. VI (or B.I Mk. VI) hydraulically-operated gun turrets were fitted to production Anson I armament trainers. These turrets were operated by electric motors located under the floor. They were typically armed with two belt-fed Browning guns.
• The Anson VI, designed as a bombing and gunnery trainer, also featured the Bristol Mk. VI hydraulically-operated gun turret.
• When Anson Is were converted for navigation or armament training, the original manual turret might be deleted. However, 313 Anson Is were specially built with the Bristol B.I Mk. VI turrets to replace less satisfactory types like the Blackburn Botha at Air Gunnery Schools.
• For pilots’ twin conversions, Ansons fitted with dual controls generally had the Armstrong Whitworth hand-operated turret removed. However, it was sometimes retained as an astrodome on “flying classroom” Ansons used by wireless operators and navigators until the aircraft’s next major overhaul.
• Later in wartime production, many Ansons were built as turretless trainers.