tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013909801988779086.post5618399362262716555..comments2023-06-28T14:23:58.362-05:00Comments on WWI Aviation Illustration: Britain - 1915 Vickers F.B.5 GunbusUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013909801988779086.post-31559887275692065462011-07-12T15:08:57.188-05:002011-07-12T15:08:57.188-05:00Part of the reason may be that it would change the...Part of the reason may be that it would change the aircraft's geometry, the design was configured for a longer 2 seat arrangement. changing the mix might have changed the balance. <br /><br />Another possible reason is the Lewis gun was mounted on a pivoting gun mount and they did not think the pilot would be able to fly the aircraft, aim and fire, reload the ammunition canisters and clear any jams at the same time.<br /><br />Another reason might have been because of the weight of the extra ammunition which would have been needed. Not only do you need to lift the extra gun, you had to lift twice the ammunition load. Given the lack of power of engines of the day it might just not have been practical. Since most rounds were expended without hitting anything. adding an extra gun would have meant you would use twice the ammunition without gaining much more lethality.<br /><br />We are looking at a period when very little was known about combat tactics and aircraft design. <br /><br />Add the fact that the they needed aircraft immediately and redesigns would postpone deliveries you fought with what you had not what you wished you did.<br /><br />This is just my opinion, but it seems to be based on the state of the art in aviation. However I may be wrong.<br /><br />Cheers<br /><br />WillAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09744800442634708263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6013909801988779086.post-76927833453154352632011-07-12T14:48:30.927-05:002011-07-12T14:48:30.927-05:00It might just be me, but, why have a second crew m...It might just be me, but, why have a second crew member when you could lose him and add a second fixed machine gun?Jon Yuenglinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18140492307166591621noreply@blogger.com