Videos tagged with Weapons Development

Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries details the Krummlauf, an experimental curved barrel attachment for the StG44. Developed by Rheinmetall-Borsig, it aimed to enable shooting around obstacles or from vehicles via periscope. Despite technical challenges like limited barrel life and sighting system durability, it represented a unique German wartime innovation.

The Krummlauf was a late-WWII German attempt to solve tank 'dead zones' with a curved barrel, but Hitler's infantry order led to rushed, flawed development. Early tests with the K98k failed, shifting focus to the StG-44. Despite versions for tanks and infantry, severe technical issues like short barrel life (60-160 rounds) and abysmal accuracy plagued the program, rendering it a historical failure.

The Patchett Machine Carbine Mk I, predecessor to the Sterling SMG, was designed by George William Patchett to improve upon existing models like the Sten and Lanchester. It met most 1944 British War Office requirements for a 9mm machine carbine, though its rate of fire was around 600 rpm. Key differences from the later Sterling include a 90-degree magazine well for Sten/Lanchester magazines, aluminum grips, and a distinct folding stock mechanism. Despite successful trials, it wasn't adopted until refined into the Sterling SMG.

This short showcases a rare C.A.T. prototype rifle, one of only two in existence, featuring a unique 'WB' or 'White Bread' suppressor. The demonstration highlights the suppressor's effectiveness and the rifle's perfectly tuned gas system. The WB suppressor is slated for release at the end of November, with viewers encouraged to explore the C.A.T. brand.

This detailed comparison of the FG42's 1st and 2nd patterns highlights significant design evolutions aimed at simplifying production and improving functionality. Key differences include the grip angle, bipod placement, muzzle brake design, sights, gas system adjustability, receiver construction (milled vs. stamped), and internal components like the ejector. The 2nd pattern, with its stamped receiver and wood stock, was a cost-saving measure compared to the more complex and expensive 1st pattern.

This video delves into the Enfield ARWEN 37, a 37mm less-lethal riot gun often misidentified in pop culture. Expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries details its production history, variants, and technical specifications, including its unique cartridge-as-chamber design and 5-round carousel mechanism. The review highlights its 80s promotional material and various less-lethal ammunition types.

This video from C&Rsenal features Othais and Bruno discussing firearms based on patent information, specifically referencing Forbes and Bain. The content focuses on historical firearms patents and the discussion surrounding them. Supporting links for merchandise and Patreon are provided, indicating it's part of a series.

The Kolibri, the world's smallest production pistol, is explored for its historical significance beyond its novelty. While its 2.7mm caliber makes it effectively non-lethal, its stamped steel frame design was a precursor to mass-production techniques used in iconic firearms like the MG42. This connection highlights innovative manufacturing methods influencing later military weapon development.

The Vickers Class C/T was a specialized machine gun adapted for interwar tanks, featuring modifications like a left-hand feed and forward ejection for cramped interiors. While innovative, water cooling proved problematic in armored vehicles, leading to its obsolescence by the late 1930s with the rise of air-cooled designs.

This video, the first part of a series, features CSM(Ret) Rick Lamb discussing the historical evolution of military kit, weapons, and uniforms from 1916 to 1951. Lamb, a lifelong collector and historian, emphasizes patterns of innovation driven by conflict and the recurring issue of militaries being under-equipped for new wars due to peacetime focus on parades. He explains the 'why' behind changes, highlighting necessity as the mother of invention, citing the rapid advancement from bi-planes to jet planes in WWII as a prime example. The description also teases future videos involving live ammunition and specific firearms.

This video explores three experimental lightweight Lanchester SMG prototypes developed by George Lanchester and the Sterling Engineering Company. These designs aimed to lighten the original Lanchester, which was based on the MP28 but heavy due to milled parts. The prototypes showcase various modifications like reversed barrels, different stock designs, and altered charging handle locations, representing attempts to improve upon the original before the project was halted to prioritize Sten gun production.

This video showcases a Hughes Company demonstration model for caseless ammunition, a concept explored in the 1960s and 70s. The design features a solid propellant pellet with the bullet encased, eliminating the need for a traditional brass casing. Its gas-operated mechanism utilizes a vertically sliding breech block, and notably, it lacks an ejection port as the entire cartridge is consumed upon firing.