In article , Emmanuel Gustin
writes
"Felger Carbon" wrote in message
nk.net...

SNIP

A more efficient and logical way to increase firepower was
a proposal for a P-38 with four 20 mm nose cannon. But this
was not accepted either, apparently because the ammunition
capacity was considered too small; maybe also because the
American version of the Hispano was too unreliable. But this
would have offered approximately the same firepower as
1 x 20 mm + 8 x .50" or twelve .50", at acceptable weight --
the Whirlwind carried four 20mm, and it was smaller and
lower-powered than a P-38.

Lamentably, the Whirlwind had only 60 rounds per gun - the drum feed
also used by the Spitfire. A proposal to fit belt feed and give it 120
RPG was not actioned.

A nose with two 20 mm and four .50" was also rejected
because it was too heavy -- something like this was intended
to be installed in the P-49.

And finally, there were also designs with the .60" T17 gun,
essentially an "Americanised" Mauser MG 151 -- the German
design was highly regarded by both the British and the
Americans -- of which the P-38 would carry three. This was
probably a backward step in firepower, and the T17 never
entered service anway.

More of the same can be found in "Flying Guns: WWII", see
my website...

Cheers,

Dave

--
Dave Eadsforth