The M45 Quadmount, often referred to as the “Quad .50” or “Meat Chopper,” was a formidable anti-aircraft and anti-personnel weapon developed by the W.L. Maxson Corporation during World War II. Designed to counter low-flying enemy aircraft and provide ground support, the M45 combined four .50 caliber M2 Browning heavy machine guns into a single, electrically powered mount, delivering an unprecedented rate of fire and firepower.
Design and Specifications
Caliber: .50 BMG (12.7×99mm NATO)
Weight: Approximately 2,400 lbs (1,090 kg)
Dimensions: Length: 6 ft 4.5 in (1.94 m), Width: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m), Height: 4 ft 7 in (1.40 m)
Rate of Fire: Up to 2,300 rounds per minute (550 rounds per minute per gun)
Effective Range: Approximately 2,500 yards (2,286 meters)
Elevation: -5° to +90°
Traverse: 360°
Power Source: Two 6-volt batteries, rechargeable via a gasoline-powered generator
Crew: 1 gunner and 2 loaders
Operational Features
The M45 was mounted on various platforms, including the M16 Half-Track, the M17 trailer (designated M51 when combined), and the M20 trailer. Its versatility allowed it to be deployed in multiple combat scenarios, from static defense positions to mobile anti-aircraft roles.
Aiming and Firing: The gunner operated the mount using two control handles, which allowed for precise elevation and traverse. A reflex sight, often referred to as a “spider-web” sight, aided in targeting.
Ammunition: Each of the four M2 machine guns was fed by a 200-round “tombstone” magazine, allowing for sustained fire.
Cooling: To prevent overheating, it was standard practice to alternate firing between the upper and lower pairs of guns, allowing one set to cool while the other was in use.
Combat Effectiveness
The M45 Quadmount proved highly effective in various theaters of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Anti-Aircraft Role: In the European Theater, the M45 was instrumental in defending against low-flying German aircraft, contributing to the downing of numerous enemy planes.
Anti-Personnel Role: Its high rate of fire made it effective against infantry and light vehicles, earning it the nickname “Meat Chopper” for its devastating impact on enemy troops.
Naval Use: The U.S. Navy adapted the M45 for shipboard use, modifying it for defense against kamikaze attacks and other aerial threats.
1/1/69, 00:05 hrs I watched from directly behind a quad 50 on a 2-1/2 fire a band of all tracers at about a 45 degree launch angle to celebrate New Years. Was a small part of the celebration that left the large LZ occluded by smoke. At my home fire base I watched the quad 50 in action several times. Later in August the operator was wounded by the same RPG attack that got me and the rest of our 155 Howitzer section. Wounded, only. No deaths.