M2HB (USA)
| Length | 166cm / 65in |
| Weight | 38kg / 84lb |
| Muzzle velocity | 884m / 2,900ft per second |
| Cartridge | .50in |
| Magazine | 110-round belt |
| Rate of fire | 575 rounds per minute |
The massive M2HB, firing its half-inch bullets, became one of the most formidable heavy machine guns of World War II. First produced in 1921, it was soon realised that the power of such a weapon suited a number of roles, from anti-aircraft and anti-tank to infantry support and virtual bunker buster.
The M2 (the HB refers to the heavy barrel version) was more commonly known as the ’50 cal or just 50 by the US troops. The gun was particularly successful in an anti-aircraft role both in the navy and with land-based armour. The design of the gun was so good that it remains in production today and is still used by the US army.
