Gunpowder is self oxidizing when ignited. As long as they used a non-evaporating lubricant on the actual mechanical components like graphite, and included a barrel liquid cooling loop, the M2 would operate totally fine in space.
That’s why I say you need to provide a closed liquid coolant loop around the barrel that would ve integrated with your ship’s heat management system, to replace the air cooling of the barrel.
The development of the M1921 water-cooled machine gun which led to the M2, meant that the initial M2s were, in fact, water-cooled. These weapons were designated Browning Machine Gun, Cal. .50, M2, Water-Cooled, Flexible.
Gunpowder is self oxidizing when ignited. As long as they used a non-evaporating lubricant on the actual mechanical components like graphite, and included a barrel liquid cooling loop, the M2 would operate totally fine in space.
Now I want to see a space-ready heavy machine gun with a big radiator attached
What about barrel cooling? Getting rid of heat is a major challenge in a vacuum.
That’s why I say you need to provide a closed liquid coolant loop around the barrel that would ve integrated with your ship’s heat management system, to replace the air cooling of the barrel.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M2_Browning
Will the blood of my enemies suffice?
A little thick, but good enough.
radiators work in space, just not as efficiently. fill 'em with ammonia, put more fins on for larger surface area, I’m sure the M2 could be adapted.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/External_Active_Thermal_Control_System
no because without gravity to pull them back down your bullets would just keep going up and up and over whatever you’re trying to hit
just blow on it