MG Rates of Fire

[stephen]

I would like to determine the rates of fire and ammunition capacity on all MG's used on US SPADs, including balloon guns.

Let's see... that should include the Marlins, Vickers and the Colt-made 11mm Gras balloon guns. I think that's it. I've already found good RoF info on the single and double drum Lewis and the infantry Vickers, but I'm not sure if the RoF on the latter may differ from its US counterpart. Any help would be appreciated.

[mossie]

[Source: Flying Guns of WWI]
[Source: Early Aircraft Armament]
[Source: French Aircraft of WWI]

SPAD 7
1 x 7.7 Vickers

SPAD 11
1 x 7.7 Vickers
1 x 7.7 Lewis Obs gun

SPAD 12
1 x 37 SAMC with 12 rounds
1 x 7.7 Vickers

SPAD 13
2 x 7.7 Vickers
US service: 2 x 0.30" Marlin

SPAD 14 - No US service
1 x 37 SAMC with 12 rounds
1 x 7.7 Vickers

SPAD 16
1 x 7.7 Vickers
1 x 7.7 Lewis

SPAD 17 - No US service
2 x 7.7 Vickers

SPAD 20 - No US service
2 x 7.7 Vickers
1 x 7.7 Lewis Obs gun on TO3 ring, later models two guns fitted.

Synco gear fitted: Designed by Marc Birkigt, known as "Birkigt" or "SPAD gear".

Marlin:
ROF - 630-650 rds/min

Browning 0.30" didn't make it into service for WWI.

Lewis Mk1
ROF - 550 rnds/min

Lewis MkIII
ROF - 700 rnd/miin

Vickers MkI
ROF - 550-850 rnds/min
ROF - 850 rnd/min with Hazelton Booster

Vickers Balloon gun
ROF - 600 rnds/min

[stephen]

Thank you, Mossie. Great stuff and very helpful.

Given the difference in the cartridge size, there must have been a variance in the amount of ammunition the standard Vickers and the balloon Vickers carried. IOW, on a SPAD with one standard Vickers and one balloon Vickers, the pilot would have different amounts of ammo loaded for each one. Anyone know what those ammo capacities might have been? Thanks.