What is this?

[moon puppy]

This is from a GIF, I've tried to find the video it's from, I know I've seen it time and time again.
Yeah I know it's an SDB, what is that thing that looks like an antenna back on the spine behind the gunner? I'll try and find the video it's from also.

 

[Greg Kimsey]

That, my friend, is a UFO. At least for now...

 

[moon puppy]

Here's a video of the same aircraft.

It shows up again at 9:32

 

[paddy]

Can only guess but its in the position of the tracking light so poss just an extended light mount for better visibility ??

 

[moon puppy]

I think you can make out the section light just forward of that mast.

Where's @Sharkmouth with his TMs?

 

[Jeeves]

Pretty sure that footage is from the Battle of Midway, possibly John Ford's movie. It almost looks like part of a Yagi radar but that's underneath the wing so can't be that. I'll look through my books...

 

[Jeeves]

Yeah that's the whip antenna you're seeing...aft of the doors that hide away the rear guns. It's more evident at 9:32 of that video as it moves...

 

[moon puppy]

Yagi antennas were under the wing from what I'm seeing but the mast for it does look the same. was there a 3rd antenna on the spine?

 

[Heavens Eagle]

I guess we know what another Bob project is going to be coming down the pike.

 

[moon puppy]

I got one, but sure would like to know what that is. This is the only image I can find with that thing on the spine.

 

[MrT]

Here's another view. I don't think it is a antennae. Something to do with the rear gunner.

 

[moon puppy]

Whoa...Terry that's the same aircraft. B-11 and that white stripe on the stab.
Now I wonder if it's an one off installation of something.
A "Don't' shoot the rudder" reminder?

 

[paddy]

My first thought was a dont shoot ya rudder but its to short, it would deflect bullets for about half the rudder height but as its a twin gun would just shoot either side of it

 

[paddy]

Having looked again i found several pics with a whip aerial in that position and as its directly above the radio set I'm going with an aerial.

 

[Sharkmouth]

Wow, been quite busy. It does seem to be an indicator that the guns are safe. Now, I need to look in my library to back that thought up!

EDIT - First photo seems to have guns armed so... nevermind!

Regards,

 

[phantom II]

 

[phantom II]

 

[Sharkmouth]

Thanks @phantom II, it is definitely a whip antenna:

 

[moon puppy]

Thanks Chris, that walk around shows a modern antenna in this same location.

 

[moon puppy]

OK, maybe not a modern one, maybe it's a different mast/base.

Thanks for looking guys, I'm convinced it's an antenna.