Enemy Aeroplane Weapons 1939–1943: Cannons and Machine Guns Fitted in Axis Machines

THE standard weapons of the Luftwaffe at the beginning of the Battle of Britain were the M.G.15, the M.G.17 and the 20 mm. (Oerlikon) M.G. F.F. The M.G.15 was a free gun firing the 7·92 mm. Mauser cartridge. It was fitted in all types of aeroplane except single‐seater fighters. The M.G.17 was the standard fixed rifle calibre gun using the same ammunition as the M.G.15. Both these weapons were derived from the Swiss Solothurn and have been commonly, if incorrectly, known by that name. While it is clear that the letters M.G. in the German system of nomenclature stand for Machinen Gewehr we do not know the significance of the number.