WWII US Bombers were armored mainly to account for Projectiles and FLAK fragments from behind and the sides. The 8th Army Air Forces studied the Bomber’s damage distribution from FLAK, machine gun and cannon fire. The study results indicated most FLAK damage Originated from Below the bomber and enemy aircraft gun and cannon fire was evenly distributed over the surfaces. This led to the conclusion the armor should be placed protecting from front or bottom of the aircraft. Also to reduce stragglers, engine armor should be considered since 50% of bomber losses are stragglers. Most stragglers are caused from engine failure.

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