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M2 Browning
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===Ammunition=== There are several different types of ammunition used in the M2HB and AN aircraft guns. From [[World War II]] through the [[Vietnam War]], the Browning was used with standard ball, armor-piercing (AP), armor-piercing incendiary (API), and armor-piercing incendiary tracer (APIT) rounds. All .50 ammunition designated "armor-piercing" was required to completely perforate {{convert|0.875|in|mm}} of hardened steel armor plate at a distance of {{convert|100|yd|m}} and {{convert|0.75|in|mm}} at {{convert|547|yd|m}}.<ref name="Barnes, Frank C. 1989 p.432">{{cite book |last=Barnes |first=Frank C. |date=1989 |title=Cartridges of the World |chapter=U.S. Army .50 BMG Cartridge Specifications |publisher=DBI Books |page=432 |isbn=0-87349-033-9}}</ref> The API and APIT rounds left a flash, report, and smoke on contact, useful in detecting strikes on enemy targets; they were primarily intended to incapacitate thin-skinned and lightly armored vehicles and aircraft, while igniting their fuel tanks.{{sfn|Dunlap|1948|pp=311β312}} Current ammunition types include M33 Ball (706.7 grain) for personnel and light material targets, M17 tracer, M8 API (622.5 grain), M20 API-T (619 grain), and M962 SLAP-T. The latter ammunition along with the M903 SLAP (Saboted Light Armor Penetrator) round can perforate {{convert|1.34|in|mm}} of FHA (face-hardened steel plate) at {{convert|500|m|yd}}, {{convert|0.91|in|mm}} at {{convert|1200|m|yd}}, and {{convert|0.75|in|mm}} at {{convert|1500|m|yd}}. This is achieved by using a {{convert|0.30|in|mm|adj=mid|-diameter}} tungsten penetrator. The SLAP-T adds a tracer charge to the base of the ammunition. This ammunition was type classified in 1993.{{cn|date=February 2023}} [[File:US Navy 070821-F-8678B-034 Machinery Repairman Fireman Edward O. Pastoral mans a M2 .50 caliber machine gun.jpg|thumb|M2 with blank-firing adapter]] When firing blanks, a large [[blank-firing adapter]] (BFA) of a special type must be used to allow the recoil-operated action to cycle. This functions on the principle of a [[recoil booster]], to increase the recoil force acting on the short recoil action. This is the exact antithesis of a [[muzzle brake]]. Without this adaptor, the reduced-charge blank cartridge would develop too little recoil to cycle the action fully. The adapter is very distinctive, attaching to the muzzle with three rods extending back to the base. The BFA can often be seen on M2s during peacetime operations.
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