I rather like the way Homeworld2 does this. The Field of View for the turrets have a minimum and maximum rotational limit (in degrees) from the vector pointing straight forward (i.e. the Z-axis, iirc). The turret is free to track and fire on any targets within this cone that are also within the weapon's maximum firing range. The same applies to the turret barrels, as well, however instead of a 'yaw' type rotation, theirs is a 'pitch' type rotation (or, in axial terms, the base rotates on the y-axis, the barrels on the x-axis). All of the axes are relative to the turret model itself, though, not the parent ship.
And yes, that would most likely require a biggish overhaul in the pof code and/or AI. Possible for the SCP, but probably too much trouble to refit the engine to accomodate it. Definitely would be plausible in Ferrium, though.