MG 17 machine gun

Infobox Weapon
name= MG 17 machine gun


caption=.
origin=flagcountry|Nazi Germany
type= GPMG
is_ranged=yes
service=
used_by= Germany
wars= WW2
designer=
design_date=1934
manufacturer= Rheinmetall-Borsig
unit_cost=
production_date=1934-1944
number=24.271
variants= Modular design
weight= 10.2 kg
length= 1175 mm
part_length=
cartridge=7.92x57mm Mauser
caliber=
action= Recoil
rate= 1.200 rpm
velocity= from 855 m/s (Phosphor "B" round ) to 905 m/s (Armor Piercing Tracer "SmK L'spur" round) |range=
max_range=
feed= Belt magazine
sights= Various types

The MG 17 was a 7.92 mm machine gun produced by Rheinmetall-Borsig for use at fixed mountings in many World War II Luftwaffe aircraft.

History

A mainstay fixed machine gun in German built aircraft (many of which were sold to other countries) well before WW2, by 1940 it was starting to be replaced with heavier caliber machine gun and cannons. By 1945 very few if any aircraft mounted the MG 17.

The MG 17 was installed in the Messerschmitt Bf 109, Messerschmitt Bf 110, Focke-Wulf Fw 190, Junkers Ju 87, Junkers Ju 88C Nightfighter, Heinkel He 111, Dornier Do 17/215 Nightfighter, Focke-Wulf Fw 189 and many other aircraft. Many MG 17s were later modified for infantry use as heavier weapons replaced them on Luftwaffe aircraft. Official numbers of conversions was about 24,271 by January 1, 1944, although additional conversions may have been done as well [http://www.geocities.com/Augusta/8172/panzerfaust5.htm] .

pecifications

*Calibre: 7.92 +/- .04 mm
*Cartridge: 7.92x57 mm Mauser
*Round weight: 35.5 grams (cartridge 24 grams, bullet 11.5 grams)
*Muzzle velocity: from 855 m/s (Phosphor "B" round ) to 905 m/s (Armor Piercing Tracer "SmK L'spur" round)
*Rate of fire: 1200 rpm
Dimensions
*Length: 1175 mm
*Weight: 10.2 kg
*Action: Recoil
*Feed system: Belt magazine
*Sights Remotely located, various types

ee also

*List of firearms
* List of uncommon WW2 weapons