Aircraft Machine Gun vs. Cannon?

[Ash]

Those bombers were tactical bombers meant to be employed on the battlefield and were very successful. Stratiegic bombers such as the 17, 24 and 29 were miserable in tactical combat roles (the B29 was pathetic in Korea when applied to tactical jobs). The B17's were of no real value at Midway and didn't do much at Normandy either. But, the medium bombers were very effective in ground and sea attack.

Ash

 

[buzz_knox]

Please no one ask the difference between an autocannon and an automatic grenade launcher!

The velocity and nature of the round are the key differences.

Yeah, you didn't ask, but you did mention. Same thing.

 

[oneshooter]

My Dads unit in Korea, 13th Bombardment Squadron (Light) used both B-25's and later B-26's. The Mitchell carried 8 fifties in the nose, 2 mounted on each side of the fusalage, and the top turret could be locked forward and controlled by the same trigger. Thats 14 50 cals, 600rpm EACH, and 1200rds available for EACH weapon!! Thats the same firepower as a Battalion of troops. Plus 4 500lb bombs!! They flew low level interdiction missions, both day and night.

Notice the 80 million candlepower NAVY searchlight under the wing, you can't hit what you can't see!
The Northmen hated and feared these planes.
Oneshooter
Livin in Texas

 

[AaronE]

B-25/26 firepower...

was used to GREAT efficacy in the Pacific. the ones with the 75mm made GREAT barge busters and anti-shipping aircraft.