Browning 0.50 M2 Machine Gun

This article deals with the Browning primarily as an aircraft and naval weapon. See the article on Small Arms for further discussion of the Browning as an infantry weapon.

Photograph of Browning 0.50 machine gun

U.S. Army


Specifications:


Bore
0.5"
12.7mm
Ammunition type     
AP, ball, incendiary, or tracer solid shot in 110-round belts

Weight of projectile     

1.6 ounce
45.4 gram

Velocity

2930 feet per second
893 meters per second

Range

7400 yards
6770 meters

Altitude

15,000 feet
4570 meters
Rate of fire 550-700 rounds per minute


The Browning 0.50 machine gun was a successful heavy machine gun design when used on land and in the air.  It had significant armor piercing capability against aircraft armor and light Japanese tanks.  Both air-cooled and water-cooled versions were used on land.  Those mounted on aircraft were invariably air-cooled since the slip stream provided a highly efficient flow of air.

The Browning was much less successful as a naval antiaircraft gun and was replaced with 20mm Oerlikons as fast as these became available.  Its round was simply not heavy enough to do the job.  The weapon was more effective in its role as an antipersonnel weapon on submarines, PT boats, and other small craft.


References

Campbell (1985)


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