| Fokker-Leimberger | |
|---|---|
| Type | Multi-barelled Machine gun |
| Place of origin | German Empire |
| Service history | |
| In service | Trials only |
| Production history | |
| Designer | A.H.G. Fokker & ? Leimberger |
| Designed | 1916 |
| Specifications | |
| Cartridge | 8x57mm IS |
| Caliber | 7.92 mm |
| Barrels | 12 |
| Rate of fire | (claimed) 7,200+ rpm |
| Feed system | Belt |
| Sights | Iron |
The Fokker-Leimberger was an externally powered, 12-barrel rifle-caliber rotary gun developed in Germany during the First World War. The action of the Fokker-Leimberger differed from that of a Gatling in that it employed a rotary split-breech design,[1] also known as a "nutcracker".[2]
Fokker claimed the gun achieved over 7,200 rpm, although this may be an exaggeration.[2][1] Failures during the war were attributed to the poor quality of German wartime ammunition,[1] although a British 1950s experimental weapon with the same type of breech had ruptured-case problems.[2] Fokker continued to experiment with this type of breech after his post-war move to the United States. A different Fokker prototype in a US museum attests to the failure of this line of development.[3]