| THE MACHINE GUN VOLUME I, PARTS VI AND IX Aanok A BUREAU_OF GRDNANCE PUBLICATIONCONFIDENTIAL THE MACHINE GUN VOLUME III, PARTS VIII AND IX oo This publication is CONFIDENTIAL and shall be safeguarded in accordance with the security provisions of U. S. Navy Regulations. It is forbidden to make extracts from or to copy this classified document without specific approval of the Chief of Naval Operations or originator, as applicable, except as provided for in article 0910 of the United States Security Manual for Classified Matter. en CONFIDENTIALTHE MACHINE GUN Development During World War II and Korean Conflict by the United States and their Allies, of Full Automatic Machine Gun Systems and High Rate of Fire Power Driven Cannon oN eines by wire Soe pence George M.Chinn COLONEL, USMC (Retired) es Volume Three of Four Volumes PREPARED FOR THE BUREAU OF ORDNANCE. Department of the Navy 1951 Presentation Copy Number LfCONFIDENTIAL PREFACE The series of hooks entitled “The Machine Gun hax heen prepared with the belief that the next best thing to actual knowledge is knowing where to find it. “The research summarized within the covers of these volumes has been compiled by the Bureau of Ordnance, Deparunent of the Navy, in onder w place in the hands of those rightfully interested in the art of automatic weapon design, the world’s recorded progress in this field of endeavor. ‘The primary purpose of Parts VIIT and TX of Volume TI is make available to those in au- thority pertinent data om the experimental work carried on to improve the design of automatic aireraft cannon by the United States and other major powers during and sinee World War TT Through data given in Volume ILL, personnel reporting for duty in research and development activities can acquaint themselves wi in phases of developmental work chat already have been aceornplished. ‘The information in most instances was compiled by the originators of the mechanisms and is presented in substantially the same form as when first prepared. The claims, recommendations, aud conclusions represent (he opinions of responsible personnel at the time the reporis were sub- mitted. No editorial comment has been included; accordingly, opinions formed by the reader will be based solely on authenticated source material For purposes of clarity and sifinmity, the topics within chapters have been arranged ia as nearly che same over as possible, Because the goal of this book is to present the case history af ‘each gun in the form the cognizant activities chose, deviations from their arrangement of material have been made only where the original reports were on for consisieney uf presentation seemed desieable Parts VITT and IX of Volume III, unlike Part T chrough VIL of Volumes I and II, cal strictly with technical aspects of the mechanistas; therefore, charts are incluled o give specific engincering data in condensed form. 11 ishoped that these graphie presentations will aid im the quick location of facts when this volume is used as reference material during a conference or other similar situation. To show the evolution of some of our mnost advanced automatic firing mechanisms, it was neces sary to illustrate several weapons that are so outmoded that they are not listed an the chapter en- led ““Aucomatic Gun Designations."” Accordingly, it was thought appropriate to introduce them pictorially in order to establish proof of the existence of the parent design niee| so differently that rearrangement CONFIDENTIAL .CONFIDENTIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The help and encouragement received from many sources in the preparation of this work ccan never be fully acknowledged. The following persons are listed in at least partial recognition of the many con ibutions to the project. Rear Adm. M. F. Schoeffel, Chief of Bureau of Ordnance, Department of the Navy. Capt. C. K. Bergin, Assistant Chief of Bureau for Researeh and Division Director, and Capt. H, P. Weatherwax, Assistant Division Director, Rescarch and Development Division, Bureau of ‘Ordnanee. Capt. T. K. Wright, Planning Officer for Aviation Ordnance, Rockets and Bombs, Rescarch and Development Division, Bureau of Ordnance. Capt. J. M. Elliott, Comdr. HH. Klare. Jr.. Lt. Comdr, G. B. Hartley, Mr. J. R. Norton, Me. A. D. Lewis, Mr. FR. Manquards, Me. J. J. Sauber, Mr. A. T, Gosnell, Me. C. F. Wazner, Mr. E. C. Shusis, Mz. W. M. Eades, Mr. T, Kodama and Miss [. F. Majerus, Aviation Ordnance Branch, Research and Development Division, Bureau of Ordoance Capt. E. M. Block, Capt. M. R. Kelley, Capt. Richard Matter, Capt. F. B. Miller, Capt. Thomas Moorer, Capt. R. N, Sharp, Capt. Wm. R. Smith, 34, Capt. W. R. V. Viewes, Comdr. V. P. de Poix and Comdr. W. R. Stagg, U. S. Navy. Col. C. R. Boyer, Col. P. J. Fontana, Col, P.M. June, Col. L. 8. Moore, Ls, Cal. R. M. Baker, Lt, Gol. Ross Jordan, Lit. Col. H. O. Smith, Jr, Lt, Col. L. O. Williams, Maj. Donald Fenton, Maj. D. V. Gelbreaith, Maj. J. L. Herndon, CWO John Scarborough, M. Set. G. B. McGarry, M. Sat T. E, Gitz, M, Set. Robert Parks and M, Sai. C. B. Robinson, U. S. Marine Corps. Col. J.J. Driscoll, Lt. Col. FS. Allen, Jr. Lt. Col. K. G. Emery, Lt, Col. D. B. Thomas and Maj. V.H. Bilek, U.S. Air Forec. Dr. FH. Carten and Lt, Col. B. B. Crossman, Research and Development Division: Dr. 8. G. Green and Mr. L. A. Garter, Industrial Division; Me. Harold Hardin and Mr. 1, G. Solberg, ‘Teclwieal Twelligence Branch; Ordnance Corps, Department of the Army. Capt. C. L, Gilbers, Lt. Gol. C. N. Bndweiss, USMC, Lt. Comde. HB. Hunter and Lt. Gomdr D. B. Cochran, Office of Naval Intelligence. Capt. Harlan T.. Johnson, Comdr. P. W. Jackson, Lt. Harry Ralston, Mr. N. D. Marden, Mr. Karl Siebert, Mr. W. F. Jewby, Mr. William Blaine, Mrs. Rachel Hall and Mr. Thomas Crutcher, Naval Aviation Ordnance Test Station, Chincoteague, Va. Maj. Gen. Julian S. Hatcher, National Rifle Association; Gol, Leo A. Codd, American Ord- nance Association; Col. Melvin M. Johnson, Jr., Winchester Repeating Arms Co.; and Col. Calvin H, Goddard, U.S. Array. Lt. Comdr. Ben R. Tate, Jr., Mr. W. A. Troup, Mr. Guy Webb, Mr. Matthew Gradijan, Mr. F. W. Holzberger, Mr. E. L. MacKenzie and Mr. J. R. O'Donnell, Naval Gun Factory, Gol. G. B. Jarrett, Library and Museum Branch. Aberdeen Proving Ground; Mr. J. J. Reen, Intelligence Division, General Staff, Department of the Army; and Mr. Edward W. Hopkins, Armament Branch, Bureau of Aeronautics, Department of the Navy. Mr. C. H. Grover, Mrs. 1. A. Garvey, Ms. M. A. Pflaging, Mr. ©. W. Pierrot, Publications: Branch; Miss Madileen Small and Miss Lillian Martin, Administration Division; and Mrs. C. S. Toubey, Aviation Ordnance Branch, Material Division, Bureau of Ordnance. Dr. R. H. Braun, Dr. W. F, Graste and Mr. Theodor Rakula. CONFIDENTIALACKNOWLEDGMENTS CONFIDENTIAL Mz. H. P. White and Mr, BD. Munball, H. P. White and Ca.; Mr. Herman P, Dean, Standard Publishing Co.; Col. George W. Hicks, Pitsburgh Post-Gazette; and Mr, Franklin W. Clark, Language Serviec Burcau. For excellent couperation and service, special thanks are extended to slaff of the anany Iibravies, museums and other activities that were consuked, Among them are the Naval Photogeaphic Center, the Library of Congress, Army Library, Army War College Library, Bureau of Ordinance Technical Liseary, Bureau of Ships Library, and Aberdeen Proving Ground Libracy and Museum, “The untiring personal interest, guidance and professional adviee of Mz. Henry E. Marschalk, Head, Publications Branch, Administration Division, Bureau of Ordnance, is largely responsible for whatever measure of success the three volumes of “The Machine Gun" have achieved ‘The meticulous reading of the manuscript by Comdr. Jack J. Hinman II, USN, and his valu- able suggestions bated on an extensive knowledge of automatic weapons added greatly to the com- plevenss of this work ‘The cutaway drawings and diagrams of complicated mechanisms, as well as other tecknical art work, were prepared by Sgt. Marie Mamone, USMG, and Sgt. C. Jane Meredith, USMC, in a manner that reflects the highest sil. Special commendation must be givea to M. Sgt. John H. Moore, USMC, for his patient and tion of much of the original research material that forms the nucleus for this induatriow aequ publicasion, Mr. Daniel D. Musgrave's comprehensive knowledge in dhe felds of warkings aad oficial designations was invaluable to the overall project. He arranged the illustrations to show to best advantage the pertinent features of the various mechanisms, ‘The basic rescarch that resulted ia the chapter ou Gesignation and the tabulation of U. 8. Automatic Guns used as de end pagers was outstanding and 2 testimonial co his painstaking endeavor Lastly the final preparation of the material deserves special mention. ‘The manuscript was cated Ly Miss Marie Frauens. ‘The mass of data which this volume represents was taken from tee rical and field manuals, operational pamphlets, design specifications and reporis of vests. The editor, displaying high profeasional shill, devised an orderly and uniform presentation of text which Senge hen Lieutenant Colonel, USMOR. viii CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL CONTENTS PART VIII—AUTOMATIC WEAPON DEVELOPMENT DURING AND AFTER WORLD WAR II BY THE UNITED STATES Ghapter Page 1. Avroxame Gon Dasonations oF rin ARwBD SERVIER... 3 Section 1. Introduction... wo 3 Sucuos 2. Characteristics of United States Large-Caliber Automatic 4 Galiver 50 Machine Guns 4 Galiber 60 Machine Guns... 9 20-num Anat Guns with and M Nuiwhers 1" 20-mm. Aucomatic Guns with Mark and Mod Nurabers. 26 20-mm Machine Guns with EX Designations... 2 Caliber 99 Machine Guns with T Numbers 30 27mm Automatic Guns with T Numbers. 30 30-mm Automatic Guns with ‘T Numbers 30 30-mm Machine Guns with Mark and Mod Neabers... 30 41-inch Machine Guns with Mark and Mod Numbers 3 37-mm Automatic Guns . 31 37mm Auromatie Guns vith Mark and Mod Numbers. : : 39 40-1m Auromatie Gans with T and M Numbers : 39 40-mam Machine Guns with Mark and Mooi Numbers a Stem; Automatic Gums... SE at 2. Onnvaner Cores GasOnrnaten REVOLVER CANYON : % Szcriow 1. History and Background ce 8 Background of the MG-213 in its Various Stages of Development.-.0- 0-44 Tins ARF evelopment Peogeam «6 Description of the MG-213. : a Operation of the MG-213....... Seen 80 Seeriox 2. ARP Phase 1: 20-m MG-213 (Maures) 5 Examination, Analysis, and Study st Seeriow 3. ARF Phase 2: Gun, Automatic, 20ann T74 Model A. 33 Moxifiation and Rebuilding of Mauser MG-213. : 3 Tests and Modifications : 33 Seemiow 4 ARF Phase 3: Gun, Automatic, 20-umm T74 Model B : 38 Design and Description... 0.2... cee 38 Aualytiral Studies : 56 ‘Tests ani Motifications. 3 Tests of Components for Model © Weapon... 39 Pesformance Data : # CONFIDENTIALCONTENTS CONFIDENTIAL Chapter Page 2. Onpwance Corrs Gas-Orzraten Revotver Caxwox—Continued Szerioy 5. ARF Phase 4: Gun, Automatic, 20-mm THO, . se 0 Design and Description. : ve 0 Analytical Susties, : ot Tests and Modifications. : fe 68 Performance Data. : : 65 Sketiex 6. Gun, Automatic, Caliber 60 T130 Model D. 66 General Detcription and Principles of Operation 66 Description of Design and Construction Features......000cctsesssssticricsnee 72 Mounting : : 80 Preparation for Firing. 81 Disassembly by Groups. a Detailed Disasembly. ee 82 ‘Assembly, 84 Conversion from Right-Hand to Left-Hand Feed 86 3. Onoxaxce, Cones Power-Daiven Mucrmannen RevoLver CANNON 87 Sroriox 1. History and Background. 8 Basic Design voteteessenteeseess 38 Early Design Problems. Fi eee : 89 Firing of First Completed Model. 1... no 90 ‘Designations and Characteristics of Various Models. 00... : 1 Seoriox 2. A” Model T45 Caliber ,60 Machine Gun... 93 Design Data and Specifcations.......+++++ 33 General Desc ees P98. Gyele of Operation ce 96 Advantages of the T45 Gun... : : ee 7 Operation Precautions eeernerrneee ” ‘Cleaning, Lubrication, and Inspection General. fee 7 Cleaning. 7 Lubrication. : 98 Inspection and Cheeks... 98 Prefiring vite 98 Performance ve 98 Removal, Disassembly, and Installation 98 Headspace Adjustment 101 Feeder Timing, vee co 402 Contact Assembly Adjustment we Foeteeceeeeee 108 Solenoiel Adjustment. veces 103 4, Onowanen Corrs Sitorr-Recost-Ovenxtmy Aurowanie Macinve Gus 105 Suortox 1. History and Background 105 Suerion 2. Caliber .60 T17 Machine Gun... 106 ‘Summary of Development SI 106 Basie Barrel Development. 107 Secniox 3. Caliber .60 T17E1 Machine Gun 108 Summary of Developmeat.... 108 Sueriow 4. Caliber .60 TL7E2 Machine Gun 110 Summary of Development... .. 310 x CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL CONTENTS Chapter Page 4. ORDNANCE Corrs SHorT-Recou-Ovsraten Acromaric Macuixe Gus—Continued Seorion 5. Caliber .60T17E3 Machine Gun... : 110 ummary of Development... ..- no : cee 0) General Description of the Model... viene 113 ‘Component Development. : oe vo MB Sectiow 6. Caliber .60 TI7ES Machine Gua... fel 122 Description. . 122 Operation 138 Disassembly by Groups... 140 Assembly by Groups... 142 Detailed Disassembly and Asembly 142 Adjustments. . 150 Secnox 7. Caliber 60°T39 Machine Gun 151 5, 75MM AMERIOAN AIRCRAFT CANNON DEVELOPMENT. « 155 Sremion 1. History and Background... 155 Seerion 2. 75.10 Gun M4 160 ‘General Description. bo 160) Secrios 3. 754m Guns M3, MSA1 and AN-MSAL woe bis 162: Suction 4. 754mm Gun M10 (T9E2) 162 Sectiox 5. 75.nm Gun T9E3 : 163 6. BUREAU oF ORDNANCE REVOLVER CANNON (MARQUARDT)... 165 Srerion 1. History and Background.......-.. : 165 ‘Chronological History : : 166 Section 2. Development of 20-mm Gun Mechanism Mark 11 Mod 0 : 170 Gun Theory. .....- : : 170 Machine Mechanism. 170 Use of Gun Energy. 170 Maximum Rate viene Feet cece amt Light Weighe ces cee bovine 17 Impulse System of Operation m1 [New Principle of Ramming Rounds m7 Ammunition and Chamber Designs 172 Sromow 3. Description of 20-ru Gun Mechanism Mark 11 Mod 0... 173 General Description... : 173 Description of Components... : 176 Operation... : weet 178 Malfunctions . cee 181 Secrion 4, Disassembly : viernes 182 Suction 5, Assembly venee 186 7. BUREAU OF ORDNANCE Gas-Orenatan Anecwart GANNON (SHINGUN). <0 0ccccccceecss 187 Seerion 1. History and Background vee 187 : History of the Program coe 187 Various Models Based on the “Shirgun’” 195 Seerion 2. Tests and Development of 20-mim Machine Gun Mechanism EX 1 Type 1, Gun No. 1 201 “Tests at Naval Proving Gronnd, 30 October 1946 o 15 April 1947, - 201 ‘Tests and Development Work at NAOTS, Chincoteague, Va. 209 Conversion to Recoil Operation leeeeeee : ait | CONFIDENTIALCONTENTS _ CONFIDENTIAL Chapter Page 7. Berea oF Orpwance Gas-Oruraten Ameaarr Canwox (Sitinoux) Continued Segoe 3. Tes and Development of 2mm Machine Gan Mechanin EX 1 Type 1, Guo No.3... : : . ait Description of Material Tested. voces seceeseeeee 212 Description of Tests ce cestetteteeeseess 22 Discussion. .....- : 213 General Data... seeeeeee - 216 Total Rounds Fired........-. . Ur Conclusions... . sevens 217 Recotnendations v2? ‘Sseniow 4. Development of 20-mm Machine Gua Mechanism EX 1 Type 2evsss.s0 217 Gun Failures Duc to Lock Breakage air Modification and Test at NAOTS, Chincoteague, Va... oe UT Investigation and Development at Naval Proviag Ground, Dahlgren, Va ay Szonon 5. Development of 20-min Machine Gun Mechanism Mark 9 Mod! 0 Firing Percussion Ammunition . costes cee 222 Functional Investigation... severe sees 222 Cycle of Operation. 2... voietteeeee a 225, Disassembly........ 226 Sectiow 6. Functional Investigation of 20-am Machine Gun Mechanism Mari 9 Mod 0 Firing Electric Primed Amnunition covttetteees o 226 ‘Tests of This Weapon. ....... westerns 226 Synopxis of the Functional Investigation and Development. 226 Background sees 226 Description of Item under Test. . 226 Results and Discussion 27 Conclusions. 228 Recommendations: 228 Secrion 7. Conversion of 20min Machine Gun Mechanism EX 1 Type 1 to Recoil Operation... ceveereresee 228 Background. 228 Conclusions... eeeceeeeererceree : vo 228 General Discussion... tevtecrses 228 8. ARMOUR AIRCRAFT AurOWATIC CANNON AND RELATED MODELS... s0ssssosss. 231 Sucrion 1. Background and Evobution of the T33 233, Armour Airerafi Auomatic Cannon and Related Models... 235, Secrion 2, Research and Development Work of ARF, 1946-49... 236 Phases of the ARF Project. cocstvtenee 236 Research and Develupment Time Schedule of the ARF Project 237 Phase 1. Study and Survey af Previous Work by Oldsmobile.......csccscceeeee 237 Phase 2, Design of Gun, Automatic, 20-mm, P33. : 238 Phase 3. Design and Development of Gun, Automatic, T33E3 Model A... 240 Phase 4. Design of Gun, Automatic, T33E3 Model B. cectseereense 244 Phase 5. Alternate Designs of Components... 245 Section 3. Research and Development Work of ARF, 1 January 1950 to 26 March 1952. - cecceeeeees 25 Phases of the Development Program... 2 25 Phase 1. Test Firing of the 'T3383 Model B with Two-Piece Rotary-Lock Bol. 247 Phase 2. Design of Alternate and Modified Replacement Components... 249 xii CONFIDENTIALCONFIDENTIAL . CONTENTS Chapter Page 8. ARxouR Amcnarr Aurouarte Cannon aNp RELATED Mopets—Continued ‘Scrox 3, Research and Development Work of ARK, 1 January 1940 to 26 March, 1952—Cantinsed Phase 3. Tests and Modifications of the Model B Using One-Piece Rotary-Lock Bolt... 250 Ponte 4. Modideation ane Reda of Various Coenponents of Model Be... 252 Phase 5, Tests of Moslifed T33E3 Model B. 254 Suomi 4. T109 Aircralt Automatic Cannun. : Divttteseeeresnes | 258 Seeros 5. 30-sm Aircraft Gun Mare § Mod 0.0 00000.ccsccscceseceeereesesses | 258 Background and Development 258 Description of Assemblies of Redesigned! Prototype: 259 Cycle of Operation... 261 Firing Tests : seve 262, 9. 2ow Gout Autaary Casson Basin us Guauia Mavate MG-151/20. 265 Szcrioy 1. 20-mm Automatic Airerait Cannon T22 cette 265 Development of the 122 en Listetttttertssrerees 265 Deseription uf de Weapon... coe : 265 Section 2. 20-mi Automatic Aireraft Cannon T24 266 Description. . 266 Disassembly 271 Assembly... fee cevecccteresees 272 Detailed Disassembly and Assembly. : 273 Changing dhe Gun feom One Faand Feed to the Other 276 Tests of the T24 cee 27 Firing on 14 February 1945 te cee 277 Firing on 23 February 1945 feces : 280 Firing on 24 February 1945 feces . 281 img.on 2 March 1945... 0. ..sc2cevvee . - 282, ing on 9 March 1945 : - 282, ing.on 10 March 1945 283 Firing on 15 March 1945, cee . 283, Firing on 14 March 1945 . . 283 Firing on 30 March 1945 : . 283 Star Gauge Inspection Report o 283 Firing on 11 May 1945, : 284 Firing on 15 May 1943.....-.... bitte teernee 284 Firing on 18 May 1945 woos 284 Firing on 14 and 15 June 1945 foe 284 Ammunition Reocived by Colt on 10 July 1945.0... eens 285 ng un 10 August 1943. ees : 285; 10. 20-106 Jonson AIRCRAFT CANNON. 6-0 a ceitecetecseeee | 287 Sscriox 1. History and Background....... viitetienttttetecrsessasese 287 ‘Johnson’: arly Interest in Quake. cess foe fee 287 ‘Joanson’s Early Gun Designs 287 Development Work for the Armed Services. 289 Summary of Development Werk for the Armed Services... tees 290 Secttow 2. Development of the EX 2, First Model... .. 292 Description... . bee 292 Log of Development in 1942.00.20. te cceeccae cee 294 Log of Development in 1943... 0 cece : ce 295, CONFIDENTIAL xiii