Talk:Short Sunderland

guns
It says in several places in the article that the Sunderland carried "16 guns", yet nowhere does it list more than 14 of them. It lists 4 fixed in the nose (mot mentioning that most Sunderlands didn't have this, meaning 12 guns was more typical), 2 in nose turret (often 1), two in dorsal turret (when fitted), and four in the tail. It also mentions replacing two beam guns with .50s, so we can take beam guns as implied as well. That equals 14 guns at the most. Wouldnt one expect the average reader to be curious where they managed to fit 2 more .303s? Anyway, I know everyone loves to talk about the myth about how the Sudnerland was called "the Flying Purcupine" because of all its bristling armament, and love to quote the 16 gun figure as proof of its awesome defensive firepower, but until later in the war it wasn't that heavily armed. No fixed guns, a single nose turret gun, sometimes no dorsal turret (I hear that wasnt added until later). Even if you assume the unspecified pair of mystery guns was actually there at this period (which seems unlikely, more likely they were added on in an attempt to protect the lumbering beast), that comes to 9 .303s, assuming beam guns are fitted as well. Without the additional guns (IIRC the two firing from behind the wing roots were in additional to more conventional beam guns, for a total of 4 per side, but I dont swear on it.) Without the extra pair of guns, that is 7 MGs total, not something to inspire fear in then hearts of Luftwaffe pilots. Personally I think the theory that the Sunderland got its nickname from the numerous "stickleback" ASV radar antennae sticking out from the top and sides of the rear fuselage makes a lot more sense, especially when coupled with the roly poly looks and slow speed. I think some author, during or after the war, heard the nickname and came up with the wrong explanation, and everyone has repeated it for fact since then. Or it was deliberate wartime propaganda to improve the morale of the Sunderland crewmen. No one will ever know for sure unless they can find the exact luftwaffe membe who coined the phrase. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.16.212.140 (talk) 08:26, 19 February 2021 (UTC)

Short Sunderland radar
Where was the radar screen located on board, and which crew member was responsible for reading it? 81.178.103.150 (talk) 12:35, 30 June 2022 (UTC)