The Observer’s Gun
The Observer’s Gun was designed to be mounted in the observer’s position of an aircraft and was popular during the early 20th century.
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Aircraft armament and guns played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of aerial warfare throughout history. From the early days of dogfighting in World War I to the advanced missile systems of modern combat aircraft, the evolution of aircraft armament has been driven by technological innovation, tactical requirements, and the ever-changing nature of aerial warfare.
This complete database provides comprehensive information on a wide range of aircraft armament and guns used across different eras and conflicts.
World War I marked the advent of aerial combat on a large scale, leading to rapid advancements in aircraft technology and weaponry. During this conflict, aircraft armament evolved from simple rifle-caliber machine guns mounted on aircraft to specialized aircraft-mounted weapons designed for air-to-air combat and ground attack.
The Observer’s Gun was designed to be mounted in the observer’s position of an aircraft and was popular during the early 20th century.
The Flamethrower is a ranged incendiary device that uses liquid fuel, typically either heated oil or diesel. They could be mounted.
The Cooper Bomb was a British 20-pound high-explosive bomb used extensively in World War I by the Royal Flying Corps.
The Lewis Gun is a First World War–era light machine gun adapted for land and aircraft use in 1915 and used in the Western Front.
The Vickers Machine Gun is a water-cooled .303 (7.7 mm) machine gun first produced by Vickers Limited for the British Army.
During World War II, aircraft armament and guns underwent significant advancements, reflecting the intense aerial combat of the era. These weapons played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of battles in the skies and on the ground.
The Hispano-Suiza HS.404 Autocannon was designed by and produced by the Swiss arm of Hispano-Suiza in the mid-1930s.
The M1919 Browning Machine Gun was widely used during the 20th century, including during World War II and the Vietnam War.
The M2 Browning Machine Gun is a heavy machine gun designed near the end of World War I that uses large and powerful .50 BMG.
The MAC 1934 Machine Gun was a French armament that was operated by gas and fed from drum magazines. It replaced the Darne mod.
The MG 131 or Maschinengewehr 131 was a small German 13mm caliber gun designed in 1938 and produced from 1940 to 1945.
Post-World War II, aircraft armament witnessed significant advancements and innovations, reflecting the evolving nature of aerial warfare and the emergence of new threats and challenges. Here’s an overview:
The AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-ground missile (AGM) designed for close air support and in service from 1972 to the present day.
The AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM is a short-range air-to-air missile that entered service with the United States Navy in 1956.
The M61 Vulcan Cannon is a six-barrel, electrically fired rotary cannon and the main armament of the U.S. military for sixty years.