Experience with the installation of guns in aircraft in recent years suggests that there has been little co-operation between gun designers and aircraft designers. This becomes more apparent as gun calibres increase and if satisfactory fighting aircraft are to be produced in the future, closer co-operation between gun designers and aircraft designers will be necessary. In consequence, a brief review of the progress of gun design in recent years, with special reference to its effect on installation, may be of interest.

From 1918 to 1938 the standard guns used in the Royal Air Force were the Lewis gun and Vickers Maxim gun, both Army guns modified for air cooling. The installation of these guns had reached a standard form by 1918 which was adhered to for the best part of 20 years.