Maxims in the Skies: the German LMG 08/15 (Ad-free)
Added 2024-04-24 12:00:33 +0000 UTCAs soon as the MG08/15 "light" machine gun was adopted by Germany, it was recognized as an ideal basis for an aircraft gun. Weight was of the essence for WW1 aircraft, and a lightened Maxim was just the thing to use. So the Spandau Arsenal began producing the LMG08/15 (the "L" in which might stand for either air-cooled or lightweight; we really don't know which) in May 1916. In addition to cutting a ton of lightening slots in the water jacket, the guns also had mechanisms added to allow a pilot to cycle both the bolt and the feed system from behind the gun (something not possible with a standard ground model). The example we are looking at today has a great example of an early style of such device completely intact...
Comments
As a fairly intelligent person but a non-engineer, this stuff always fascinates me. I'm so surprised it works at all. Thanx for showing the operation.
WayneWiiki
2024-04-29 23:15:32 +0000 UTCGlock
Nephilim
2024-04-27 22:55:33 +0000 UTCYeah, YouTube is now randomly shutting them off without notice. I have turned them back on literally 10 times today.
Forgotten Weapons
2024-04-25 03:09:29 +0000 UTCAlso, it appears comments are shut off on YouTube. Just FYI.
Walter Hoel
2024-04-25 02:13:10 +0000 UTCThat was my thought too. Luft like Luftwaffe or Lufthansa.
Walter Hoel
2024-04-25 02:12:25 +0000 UTCOr Leicht (light, not heavy)
Glenn Miller
2024-04-24 18:04:01 +0000 UTCman. I hope frech e+aircraft mg's had that manual safety, too! otherwise I wonder how many mechanics they went through. as safeties and french rifles.... yeah.
Guido Schriewer
2024-04-24 17:20:55 +0000 UTCOr Luftstreitkräfte—Air Combat Forces.
Terry
2024-04-24 17:00:33 +0000 UTCYep.
Forgotten Weapons
2024-04-24 15:55:43 +0000 UTCIs that a cartridge discharge chute under the receiver?
Martin Morehouse
2024-04-24 15:34:06 +0000 UTCL might stand for Luft (AIR). As in Air Cooled or Air Craft.
Beccaskye
2024-04-24 12:11:57 +0000 UTC
