The heavy Vickers and Maxim guns, and their gun crews, were taken from the infantry to form the new Machine Gun Corps. The British army was the first to adopt the Lewis gun, which became part of important reforms to the deployment of machine guns. Though an American design, the United States Army was reluctant to adopt Colonel Lewis's gun. Importantly, a clamp-on bipod was also designed to allow a stable firing platform, replacing the fixed tripod mount of the heavy machine guns. The belt feed system of the Maxim was replaced by a rotating 'pan' magazine, limiting capacity but keeping the gun light and easy to handle. This effect can be seen in the accompanying high-speed video footage. When fired, this created a 'venturi' effect, sucking the hot air forwards and drawing colder air in behind it. Instead of a water-filled barrel jacket, the Lewis was air-cooled using a finned radiator fitted beneath a steel shroud. The Lewis was designed with a rifle-style shoulder stock, pistol grip, and carrying sling. A 'light' machine gun would allow soldiers to take the fight to the enemy. Machine guns like the Maxim family could fire more continuously and with accuracy at long range, but were heavy and had to be served by a crew of men. The resulting weapon went on to define the light machine gun as a class of firearm. Lewis, of an existing design by another American, Samuel McClean. By 1918, planes had been developed that could drop bombs on Berlin.The 'Lewis gun' was a refinement by U.S. Heavier planes were developed that dropped bombs on the enemy. Later in the war, fighter planes were fitted with machine guns. They were more used for spotting the enemy and for gathering intelligence. They were used more effectively at the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917. However, they often broke down, got stuck in the mud and ran out of fuel. They were first used at the Battle of the Somme. It was believed that they would change the course of the war. Tanks were developed in order to break the deadlock and as a way to cross no-man’s land.
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