MG 15

MG 15 machine gun
An MG 15 equipped for infantry use, but lacking the bipod. German Tank Museum, Munster (2006)
TypeAircraft machine gun
Place of originWeimar Republic / Nazi Germany
Service history
In service1933–1950s (MG 15)
Used bySee § Users
WarsWorld War II
Korean War
Production history
DesignerTheodor Bergmann
Designed1932
ManufacturerSee § Manufacturers
Specifications
Mass
  • 12.4 kg (27 lb) (Loaded)
  • 8.1 kg (18 lb) (Unloaded)
Length1,078 mm (42.4 in) (without attachments)
Barrel length600 mm (24 in)

Cartridge7.92×57mm Mauser
Cartridge weight35.5 grams (Full round)
Caliber7,9 (7.92+0.04) mm
ActionRecoil-operated
Rate of fire1,000–1,050 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity755 m/s (2,480 ft/s)
Feed system75-round double-drum magazine
SightsVarious types

The MG 15 was a German 7.92 mm machine gun designed specifically as a hand-manipulated defensive gun for combat aircraft during the early 1930s. By 1941 it was replaced by other types and found new uses with ground troops.