Japanese Zero Guns Synchronization ?

[Robert11]

Hello,

Saw a picture and diagram of the WWII Japanese Naval Zero.

Apparently it had 2 machine guns in the upper cowling that fired thru the
prop.
True ?

My question regards the synchronization of these guns so they didn't hit the
prop.
How was this done ?
Mechanical interlock, electrical, or... ?

I'm an engineer, and wouldbe most appreciative for a technical description
of how it was accomplished.

Any pictures of the mechanism, etc. on the web ?

Thanks,
Bob

[Bill Kambic]

On Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:24:51 -0500, "Robert11" >
wrote:

>Hello,
>
>Saw a picture and diagram of the WWII Japanese Naval Zero.
>
>Apparently it had 2 machine guns in the upper cowling that fired thru the
>prop.
>True ?
>
>My question regards the synchronization of these guns so they didn't hit the
>prop.
>How was this done ?
>Mechanical interlock, electrical, or... ?
>
>I'm an engineer, and wouldbe most appreciative for a technical description
>of how it was accomplished.
>
>Any pictures of the mechanism, etc. on the web ?

Not specifically about the Zero, but here are some links:

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWsynchronizing.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interrupter_gear

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1782148.html

[Robert11]

Hi,

Just a quick thanks for info.
Appreciate it.

Bob

----------------
"Robert11" > wrote in message
...
> Hello,
>
> Saw a picture and diagram of the WWII Japanese Naval Zero.
>
> Apparently it had 2 machine guns in the upper cowling that fired thru the
> prop.
> True ?
>
> My question regards the synchronization of these guns so they didn't hit
> the prop.
> How was this done ?
> Mechanical interlock, electrical, or... ?
>
> I'm an engineer, and wouldbe most appreciative for a technical description
> of how it was accomplished.
>
> Any pictures of the mechanism, etc. on the web ?
>
> Thanks,
> Bob
>