Description
The German MG15 is a 7.92x57mm machine gun designed specifically as a crew operated defensive gun for larger combat aircraft during the 1930’s and used as such up until the early days of World War 2. By 1941 it was replaced by other types of crew weapons and it was adapted for use with the army.
One of the most famous uses of the MG15 was as a nose gun on the Heinkel He 111 bomber during the Battle of Britain, with many photographs taken from inside the cockpit showing the weapon mounted centrally to the glass canopy front dome, with its distinctive ‘saddle’ magazine fitted.
Not to be confused with the German MG 15nA of World War 1. This was a completely different weapon that was developed for ground troops use, with its appearance and internal action differing significantly.
As well as being seen in numerous WW2 themed movies, it was also used to create the ‘RT-97C Heavy Blaster Rifle’ in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.
[raw]
Designer: Theodor Bergmann
Designed: 1920s
Manufacturer: Bergmann (Weimar Republic), Rheinmetall (Third Reich)
Produced: 1930s – 1940
