ForgottenWeapons
patreon
Maxims in the Skies: the German LMG 08/15 (Ad-free)
🕑 Added 2024-04-24 12:00:33 +0000 UTCAs soon as the MG08/15 "light" machine gun was adopted by Germany, it was recognized as an ideal basis for an aircraft gun. Weight was of the essence for WW1 aircraft, and a lightened Maxim was just the thing to use. So the Spandau Arsenal began producing the LMG08/15 (the "L" in which might stand for either air-cooled or lightweight; we really don't know which) in May 1916. In addition to cutting a ton of lightening slots in the water jacket, the guns also had mechanisms added to allow a pilot to cycle both the bolt and the feed system from behind the gun (something not possible with a standard ground model). The example we are looking at today has a great example of an early style of such device completely intact...
Comments
WayneWiiki
As a fairly intelligent person but a non-engineer, this stuff always fascinates me. I'm so surprised it works at all. Thanx for showing the operation.
Nephilim
Glock
Forgotten Weapons
Yeah, YouTube is now randomly shutting them off without notice. I have turned them back on literally 10 times today.
Walter Hoel
Also, it appears comments are shut off on YouTube. Just FYI.
Walter Hoel
That was my thought too. Luft like Luftwaffe or Lufthansa.
Glenn Miller
Or Leicht (light, not heavy)
Guido Schriewer
man. I hope frech e+aircraft mg's had that manual safety, too! otherwise I wonder how many mechanics they went through. as safeties and french rifles.... yeah.
Terry
Or Luftstreitkräfte—Air Combat Forces.
Forgotten Weapons
Yep.
Martin Morehouse
Is that a cartridge discharge chute under the receiver?
Beccaskye
L might stand for Luft (AIR). As in Air Cooled or Air Craft.
