What Is the MAC 1934 and Who Designed and Produced It?
The MAC 1934 machine gun, also known as the “Fusil Mitrailleur Modèle 1934,” was a French air-cooled, gas-operated machine gun designed and manufactured by Manufacture d’Armes de Châtellerault (MAC). It was widely used by French military forces during World War II, particularly in aircraft.
Armament Specifications
- Caliber: 7.5mm
- Action: Gas-operated
- Rate of fire: Approximately 700-800 rounds per minute
- Muzzle velocity: Approximately 840 meters per second
- Weight: Approximately 9.5 kilograms (21 pounds)
- Length: Approximately 1.16 meters (45.7 inches)
- Feed system: 150-round drum magazine or 25-round box magazine
Aircraft That Used This Gun
The MAC 1934 machine gun was utilized on various French aircraft during World War II, including:
- Morane-Saulnier MS.406: The Morane-Saulnier MS.406 was a French fighter aircraft that gained prominence during the early stages of World War II. Armed with the MAC 1934 machine gun, the MS.406 was one of the mainstay fighters of the Armée de l’Air, the French Air Force, during the Battle of France in 1940.
- Dewoitine D.520: Equipped with the MAC 1934, the D.520 was a well-rounded fighter with excellent handling characteristics and a potent armament. It saw service during the Battle of France and subsequent campaigns, where it acquitted itself admirably against German aircraft.
Bloch MB.152: Developed by Société des Avions Marcel Bloch, the MB.152 was designed to address the shortcomings of earlier French fighters and provide a more capable platform for air combat. Armed with the MAC 1934 and additional machine guns or cannons, the MB.152 was a well-armed and heavily armored aircraft, capable of withstanding enemy fire and delivering devastating firepower in return.
LeO 451: The LeO 451 was a French medium bomber aircraft equipped with the MAC 1934 machine gun for defensive armament. Designed by Lioré et Olivier, the LeO 451 was intended to serve as a modern and capable bomber for the French Air Force. Armed with multiple MAC 1934 machine guns in various positions, including dorsal, ventral, and waist positions, the LeO 451 was well-protected against enemy fighters during bombing missions. It saw limited service during the Battle of France.
Lioré et Olivier LeO 45
The Lioré et Olivier LeO 45 was a French medium bomber designed for the new Armée de l’air and used during and after the Second World War.
Bloch MB.150
The Bloch MB.150 was a French fighter aircraft that featured an all-metal construction, a retractable undercarriage, and an enclosed cockpit.
Dewoitine D.520
The Dewoitine D.520 is a French fighter aircraft that entered service shortly after the beginning of the Second World War.
Morane-Saulnier M.S.406
The Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 is a French fighter used during the Second World War and France’s most numerous aircraft.
A Short History of the MAC 1934
The MAC 1934 machine gun was developed in the early 1930s to replace older machine gun models in French military service. It was designed to be reliable, easy to maintain, and capable of sustained fire. The MAC 1934 became the standard machine gun for French aircraft during the late 1930s and saw widespread use during World War II.
During the Battle of France in 1940, French aircraft armed with the MAC 1934 machine gun engaged German Luftwaffe fighters and bombers in aerial combat. While the performance of French aircraft and armament varied, the MAC 1934 proved to be a capable weapon in the hands of skilled pilots.
Following the fall of France, captured MAC 1934 machine guns were used by Axis forces, primarily the Luftwaffe, for training purposes and secondary roles. Despite the occupation of France, production of the MAC 1934 continued under German supervision, with some guns utilized by the Vichy French Air Force and Free French Forces.
Overall, the MAC 1934 machine gun played a significant role in French aviation during World War II, serving as a primary armament on numerous aircraft and contributing to the defense of French airspace during the early years of the war.
