The MG FF Cannon
The MG FF Cannon was a Germany-manufactured drum-fed, blowback-operated, 20 mm aircraft autocannon for fixed mountings.
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The armament of World War II aircraft consisted of a variety of guns, cannons, bombs, and rockets, tailored to different roles such as air-to-air combat, ground attack, and strategic bombing. During WW2, in fact, 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.
Related: Aircraft Armaments & Guns from WW1
The armament of World War II aircraft reflected the diverse roles they played in the conflict, from engaging enemy fighters in dogfights to conducting precision bombing raids and providing close air support to ground troops. For example:
Machine guns were a staple armament for most fighter aircraft during World War II. They typically ranged from 7.62mm to 13mm in caliber and were mounted in various configurations, including synchronized to fire through the propeller arc or wing-mounted. Examples include the Browning M2, Browning M1919, and the German MG 17 and MG 15.
Bombs were a crucial armament for bomber and ground-attack aircraft, used to strike enemy targets on the ground. They ranged from small fragmentation bombs to large high-explosive bombs capable of devastating targets. Bombers such as the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and the Avro Lancaster carried bomb loads of up to several tons.
Autocannons were larger-caliber guns that fired explosive shells and were used primarily for air-to-air combat and ground attack missions. Cannons were larger-caliber guns primarily used for air-to-air combat and ground attack. They offered increased firepower and were effective against armored targets. Prominent autocannons included the Hispano-Suiza HS.404, MG FF, and MK 108.
Aircraft-mounted rockets were employed for ground attack missions, providing aircraft with a potent anti-armor capability. They were often mounted in underwing rocket pods and fired in salvos. Notable examples include the American HVAR (High Velocity Aircraft Rocket) and the British RP-3 (Rocket Projectile 3-inch).
During World War II, a vast array of armaments were utilized across land, sea, and air theaters. These weapons played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the conflict and are emblematic of the technological advancements and innovations of the era.
Here’s an overview of aircraft armament and guns from World War II:
The MG FF Cannon was a Germany-manufactured drum-fed, blowback-operated, 20 mm aircraft autocannon for fixed mountings.
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 Hispano-Suiza HS.404 Autocannon was designed by and produced by the Swiss arm of Hispano-Suiza in the mid-1930s.
The Vickers Machine Gun is a water-cooled .303 (7.7 mm) machine gun first produced by Vickers Limited for the British Army.
The M1919 Browning Machine Gun was widely used during the 20th century, including during World War II and the Vietnam War.
The MK 108 Cannon was a 30 mm caliber autocannon made by Rheinmetall‑Borsig in Germany during World War II.
The MG 15 was a German 7.92 mm machine gun designed as a defensive gun for combat aircraft during the early 1930s.
The MG 81 was a German belt fed 7.92×57mm Mauser machine gun used in World War II Luftwaffe aircraft, usually replacing the MG 15.
The MG 17 was a German 7.92 mm machine gun produced by Rheinmetall-Borsig and used in many World War II Luftwaffe aircraft.
The Werfer-Granate 21 Rocket Launcher or BR 21 was a weapon introduced in 1943 and used by the German Luftwaffe during World War II.
The MG 131 or Maschinengewehr 131 was a small German 13mm caliber gun designed in 1938 and produced from 1940 to 1945.