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The developers behind Battlefield 1 just released some new details on the upcoming Russian downloadable content (DLC) “In the Name of the Tsar.†We now know the expansion takes us to the Brusilov offensive, the Operation Albion, and the Lupkow Pass. But did the new information also confirm a new machine gun weapon in the upcoming Russian DLC?
But what about new weapons in the expansion? I pointed out the cavalry lance in a previous video, but I overlooked another weapon that could be a welcome addition to Battlefield 1.
The support soldier here appears to be wielding a German MG 14/17. The weapon bears a significant resemblance to the MG 15 n.A. already in Battlefield 1, especially when it’s not a clear image.
That being said, there are a few noticeable differences between the guns.
The MG 14 was designed for use in aircraft, and weighs about three kilograms, or eight pounds less than the MG 15 n.A. It was a popular weapon onboard zeppelins, where every ounce mattered.
As World War I progressed, demand for automatic ground weapons was such that the MG 14 was repurposed as an infantry weapon and given the designation MG 14/17.
These guns had their large barrel jackets removed and replaced with a smaller one, complete with a carrying handle.
The MG 14/17 often maintained its tell-tale support bar for the magazine, visible in Battlefield 1’s promotional art.
The gun also sported a higher fire rate of between 600 to 700 rounds per minute, compared to the MG 15 n.A.’s 500 rounds per minute. Both fired from 200 round drum magazines.
Interestingly, we can see the outlines of a telescopic sight on the MG 14/17 shown in the promotional image – this is historically accurate, and at least one example of this variation still exists.
I’d imagine if the weapon makes its way into Battlefield 1, It will function much in the same way as the MG 15 n.A. The MG 14/17’s fire rate would be the highest amongst the available machine guns in the game, so expect that bump to come with a loss of accuracy and control.
FYI: The MG 14 is the weapon on the back of the German attack planes. The MG 14/17 is the infantry variant.
