 Ho-103 Machine Gun | |
| Catridge | 12.7mm x 81mm Breda |
|
Projectile Weight |
AP: 1.25oz/35,4g
|
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,560fps/780mps |
| Range | 2,460'/750m |
| Rate of Fire |
900rpm |
Coming in two variants, the Ho-103 and Ho-104, this machine gun was the Japanese answer to the American M1921 .50 cal aerial machine gun. As the 103 variant, it was used in a fixed application, and as the 104 variant, it was mounted on flexible mounts.
In contrast to the M1921, it acheived a higher rate of fire by using the Breda 12.7mm cartridge, with a disintegrating metal belt. With a size intermediate between the MG131's 64mm length, the and M1921's 99mm length, it had a lower velocity than its American counterpart, but allowed for faster cycling. In an attempt to combat the lower speed, the Ho-103 was frequently loaded with explosive and incindiary rounds.