In the Vickers system, where the propeller is mounted behind the
car, the aeroplane thus operating upon the pusher principle, the
nose of the car is occupied by the arm, which is a rifle calibre
machine gun fitted upon a special mounting. The prow is provided
with an embrasure for the weapon and the latter is so installed
as to command an angle of 30 degrees on all sides of the
longitudinal axis of the machine when in flight. In this
instance the marksman is provided with complete protection on all
sides, inasmuch as his position is in the prow, where the hood of
the fo'c's'le shields him from overhead attack. The gun is
protected by a special shield which moves with the gun barrel.
This shield is provided with mica windows, through which the
gunner is able to sight his arm, so that he is not inconvenienced
in any way by the wind draught.
One shortcoming of such methods of arming an aeroplane will be
observed. Ahead firing only is possible; the weapon cannot be
trained astern, while similarly the line of fire on either
broadside is severely limited. This is one reason why the
machine-gun armament of aerial craft of the heavier-than-air type
has not undergone extensive development.
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