Rolls-Royce Experimental Machine Gun
| Rolls Royce .50 Cal Heavy machine gun | |
|---|---|
| Type | Heavy machine gun |
| Place of origin |  United Kingdom |
| Service history | |
| In service | Unknown |
| Used by | Prototype only |
| Wars | World War II |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1940-42 |
| Produced | N/A |
| Specifications | |
| Caliber | .50 in (12.7 mm) |
| Effective firing range | 1,800 m (2,200 yd) |
The Rolls-Royce Experimental Machine Gun was a prototype British Heavy Machine Gun, designed by Rolls-Royce in World War II.
Rolls-Royce commenced design of a heavy machine gun in early 1940, intended for use in aircraft.[1] The result was a recoil operated weapon firing .50 Browning cartridges. This was evaluated in March 1941 and proved prone to stoppages.[2], a revised gas operated weapon being designed and built to try and solve these problems.[3]
As well as the .50 calibre versions, it was planned to modify the gas operated gun to fire the more powerful .55 inch ammunition used in the Boys anti-tank rifle.[4] All work on the Rolls-Royce machine guns was abandoned in 1942.[2]
References
- Birch, David. Rolls-Royce Armament. Derby, UK:Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust. 2000. ISBN 1 872922 15 5.
- Hogg, Ian V. and Weeks, John S. Military Small Arms of the 20th Century. Iola WI: Krause. 7th Edition, 1990. ISBN0-87341-824-7.
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