Wanted: Vickers .50 tech data

[Dave lean]

Hi David, yes I was aware of the different top cover but was very un-aware of the guns type being used by the Japanese Air Force . Still awaiting some further info from some members who were researching these guns, hopefully we will have more info to share around very soon, cheers Dok

[motto]

Hi Dave
It's a little off topic but to clear up any misapprehension. The Japanese didn't have a separate airforce in WW2, they had a naval air arm and an army air arm that existed quite independently using different aircraft of course but even weapons and calibre's of weapons were not standardised.
The IJN was very much based on adapted Royal Navy practices and equipment. For example, the flexible gun in the rear of the Val dive bomber was an exact copy of the Lewis .303 aircraft gun. The two fixed, forward firing were exact copies of the Vickers and used what appears to be the same interrupter. All three guns were in their original calibre and could fire British ammunition.
Back to topic.

Dave

[Tony Smith]

It's like waiting for a taxi on a Friday night out. You never see any, then half a dozen turn up.

Received an auction catalog in the post, and Lo and Behold, a .5-in MkV Vickers for sale. Lithgow SAF Museum doesn't have an example of a Mk V, and none others are known in other collections in Aust Museums or private holdings. Well, I had to do the responsible thing and have submitted an obscenely large postal bid form (well, actually the form is just A4 size).

Just have to wait and see if my idea of obscene is bigger or smaller than someone else's idea of obscene!

[Dave lean]

Thanks Tony, I'll wait to see what you can turn up.

[Paul Taylor]

I was at the Cobbaton Combat Colection in Devon last week and they have one on display if thats of any help.

PT

[Dave lean]

Tony Smith, Can you PM me mate, I need your help. d.a.lean@bigpond.net.au

[Dave lean]

Hi Paul, good to know mate, I may have to press you into service and get you to take a few critical measurements if you can get your hands on it but I'll let you know if that's needed. thanks Dave