German Machine guns for World War I Aircraft

The primary machine guns:

all machine gun statistics from "Military Small Arms of the 20th Century," by Hogg and Weeks, unless stated otherwise

Allied Machinguns

The Maxim Machine gun (often called "Spandau"): Original design:   Hiram Maxim German Manufacturing:  Spandau Arsenal Caliber:  7.92mm Length:  46.25 in Weight:  unloaded, 58.29 lbs; air version was lighter Barrel:  28.3 in;  4 grooves right hand twist Magazine (for aerial use):  fabric belt of various length Rate of fire:  450 rpm with booster Muzzle velocity:  2,925 fps;  892 mps Picture shows the aircraft version of the Maxim 08/15 photo: "Fighter Aircraft of the 1914-1918 Air War"

Right: Typical mounting for Maxim 08/15 machine guns with synchronization gear for firing through the airscrew arc.  This example is on a Pfalz Dr-1 Triplane photo:  "Fighter Aircraft of the 1914-1918 Air War"

The Parabellum Machine gun: Original design:   Karl Heinemann German Manufacturing:  Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabrik AG Caliber:  7.92mm Length:  48.13 in Weight:  unloaded, 21.6 lbs; air version was lighter Barrel:  27.75 in;  4 grooves right hand twist Magazine (for aerial use):  fabric shot belt Rate of fire:  650-750 rpm Muzzle velocity:  2,925 fps;  892 mps Curious note about the origin of "parabellum."  It was a lighter version of the Maxim, and when produced it was named for the Latin phrase:  Si vis pacem, para bellum....... If you wish for peace, prepare for war. Picture shows twin Parabellums on a ring mount photo: "Fighter Aircraft of the 1914-1918 Air War"