Wanted: Vickers .50 tech data

[Tony Smith]

Have found an interesting fact. The Flash Eliminator for the Mk V .5 is not part of the gun. It is permanently mounted to the Mantlet Cowl, and when the the MG is fitted, the muzzle just projects into the opening. The clearance between the OD of the barrel and the ID of the Flash Eliminator acts as a venturi to draw fumes from the interior of the turret.

Similarly with the .303 on the left side, the booster muzzle just protrudes through an enlarged opening in the cowl. Gases from the booster are projected forward and draw fumes out of the turret. The front face of the cooling jacket on both guns do not contact/seal against the front face of the mantlet cowl.

[Dave lean]

Very handy info Tony. Was wondering if this was the case as a few pics of the .5 " show a plain barrel protrusion from the cooling jacket. As Colin has fitted up the "external parts" of the guns I intended doing much the same as you have described so this is good news.