1/48 A6M Zero machine guns Type 97 7.7mm, 2 pc. - ASK 3D Print

1/48 Type 97 7.7 mm aircraft machine gun (九七式七粍七航空機関銃), 2 pc. 3D print - ASK Distribution cat. no. 200-A48048

This detail set is primarily designed for the Eduard A6M Zero model kit and is adapted to fit perfectly into the kit without any further modifications.

The Type 97 7.7 mm aircraft machine gun (九七式七粍七航空機関銃) was the standard fixed light machine gun used by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) during World War II. It was a license-built copy of the British Vickers Class E machine gun and was not related to the Type 97 heavy machine gun used by the Imperial Japanese Army (which was based on the Czech ZB vz. 26).

Key characteristics of the Type 97:

• Origin: Empire of Japan (licensed copy of Vickers Class E).
• Service History: In service from 1937 to 1945 with the Imperial Japanese Navy.
• Action: Short recoil, toggle locked.
• Rate of Fire: Around 900 rounds per minute (synchronized versions had a lower rate).
• Ammunition: 7.7x56mmR (.303 British). Notably, while it was the same caliber as the Army's Type 89 machine gun, the cartridges were not interchangeable due to slight differences.
• Feed System: Belt-fed.

Deployment, including in the A6M Zero:

The Type 97 was widely used as a fixed, forward-firing weapon in many IJN aircraft. Its relatively high rate of fire and suitability for synchronization (firing through the propeller arc) made it a common choice for cowling-mounted armament.

In the iconic Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter, the Type 97 7.7 mm machine gun was a crucial part of its initial armament. Typically, early models of the Zero were equipped with two Type 97 machine guns mounted in the upper fuselage (cowling), synchronized to fire through the propeller. Later versions of the Zero often featured a heavier armament, including 20mm cannons, but the Type 97 served as the primary lighter-caliber weapon in the early years of the war when the Zero dominated the Pacific skies.

While considered adequate in the early stages of the war against less heavily armored Allied aircraft, the 7.7 mm Type 97's effectiveness diminished as Allied aircraft became more robust and better armed. Nevertheless, it was a foundational weapon for the IJN's air power, including the legendary A6M Zero, during a critical period of World War II.

Here are some other notable aircraft that utilized this weapon:

• Mitsubishi F1M (Pete): This floatplane reconnaissance aircraft often carried the Type 97 as a fixed forward-firing weapon.
• Aichi D3A (Val): This carrier-based dive bomber sometimes had Type 97 machine guns in the wings as fixed forward armament.
• Yokosuka D4Y (Judy): This carrier-based dive bomber and reconnaissance aircraft also utilized the Type 97 as a fixed forward-firing gun in some variants.
• Nakajima B5N (Kate): This carrier-based torpedo bomber often had Type 97 machine guns as part of its fixed forward armament.
• Nakajima B6N (Jill): The successor to the B5N, this torpedo bomber also used the Type 97 as a fixed forward-firing weapon.
• Kawanishi E7K (Alf): This long-range reconnaissance seaplane was equipped with fixed forward-firing Type 97 machine guns in some versions.
• Aichi E13A (Jake): This long-range reconnaissance seaplane also utilized the Type 97 as a fixed forward-firing weapon.
• Kawanishi N1K (George) & N1K-J Shiden (George): While later variants of these formidable fighters mounted heavier armament, early versions sometimes included the Type 97 in the fuselage.
• Mitsubishi J2M (Jack): This land-based interceptor also used the Type 97 as part of its initial fixed forward armament in some early models.
• Yokosuka K5Y (Willow): This two-seat intermediate trainer was sometimes armed with a fixed forward-firing Type 97 for training purposes.
• Nakajima A6M2-N (Rufe): This floatplane fighter, a modification of the A6M Zero, also used the Type 97 as a fixed forward-firing weapon.

It's important to note that armament configurations could vary between different production blocks and modifications of these aircraft throughout the war. However, the Type 97 7.7 mm machine gun was a ubiquitous light machine gun for the IJN and saw service in a wide array of its aircraft.