Modelling > Engineering Dept.

Would the ZB vz.60 / 15mm BESA HMG have been suitable as an aircraft gun?

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Volkodav:
The UK was licence producing the ZB53 and the ZB vz.60 as the BESA 7.92 and 15mm respectively for the RAC, I wonder how they would have gone as aircraft guns in place of the various Brownings and other types. I'm thinking of the 15mm being used on the Spitfire and Hurricane instead of, or even in conjunction with, the .303 Browning.

The only issue I can see is the size and weight of the 15mm making it too heavy for the application.

jcf:
It's larger and heavier than the German MG151, in its original 15mm caliber,
ballistic performance is similar to the MG151/15, but a much lower rate of fire,
420rpm vs. 740 fir the MG151. The RLM felt the 15mm was below performance
requirements so the gun was redesigned into the MG151/20, dunno if that would
happen with the 15mm BESA as the Hispano was already to hand.

Volkodav:

--- Quote from: jcf on April 30, 2017, 10:00:44 AM ---It's larger and heavier than the German MG151, in its original 15mm caliber,
ballistic performance is similar to the MG151/15, but a much lower rate of fire,
420rpm vs. 740 fir the MG151. The RLM felt the 15mm was below performance
requirements so the gun was redesigned into the MG151/20, dunno if that would
happen with the 15mm BESA as the Hispano was already to hand.

--- End quote ---

Yes, the explosive performance of the 151/15 was seen to be worth the reduction in muzzle velocity resulting from necking and shortening the case.  Just checked, whoops the 15mm BESA was heavier than the Hispano 20mm.

GTX_Admin:

--- Quote from: Volkodav on April 30, 2017, 10:20:01 AM ---Just checked, whoops the 15mm BESA was heavier than the Hispano 20mm.

--- End quote ---

That kind of answers it for you...

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