MK103M Question

[Broncazonk]

Thank you, Kutscha. I was indeed referring to the Mauser Mk 213.

As to the rate of fire, I double-checked the 65 r/m (as opposed to the oft cited 380 to 420 r/m) as I was utterly shocked by that very low/slow number.

My reference is: Dornier Do 335 by Karl-Heinz Regnat (Schiffer 2003) page 132.

The data is reproduced from the (original) Dornier Do 335 technical description manual pertaining to the Mk 103, to wit:

"One MK 103 in Mol 103/1A engine mount in forward engine, firing through the hollow propeller shaft. Rate of fire: sixty-five rounds per minute."

Shocking indeed.

The Do 335 only carried 70 rounds (possibly 65 rounds) (between Frames 1 and 2) for the MK 103. Unregulated the MK 103 would run at 380 r/m when firing HE/AP tracer, and at 420 r/m when firing Mine shells. 70 rounds at 380 r/m will give you 11-seconds of trigger time. 70 rounds at 420 r/m will give you 10-seconds. Factoring in the inherent inaccuracy of the weapon: "With a firing probability of 95%, it was calculated that 76 rounds would have to be fired from a range of 500 meters to achieve three hits on target. This figure rose to 203 rounds from 1,000 meters and 650 rounds from 1,500 meters," it was statistically impossible to hit anything at 380/420 r/m outside of 500 meters.

If I'm not mistaken, the Luftwaffe regulated the MK 103's rate of fire down to 65 r/m to improve it's statistical ability (not actual ability) to put rounds on target.

Bronc