Why are the cannons so weak on the 109-E, yet so strong on the Russian planes?

[Steyr_amr]

[QUOTE=TRC Subaru;140976]M+V=D, (Mass + Velocity = Destruction…lol)

Kinetic energy (Joules) = 0.5 x Mass(kg) x Velocity(metres per second) squared.

This only takes into account inert projectiles though, taking into account HE, AP, actual velocity at which the projectile impacts the target (taking into account range, relative speeds of the aircraft involved, gravity) and whatnot opens up a myriad of mathematics which I'm too tired to be troubled with at the moment.

I don't know much about the specific ballistics, rates of fire and what not of each of the autocannons being discussed here. But although 30mm cannons hit harder their lower muzzle velocity makes fighters much harder to hit with them. The Browning .50 cal was praised for its nice flat trajectory and therefore ease of aiming.

I think i remember reading somewhere also that the MG151/20 as mounted in the 109F was thought much more highly of than the dual MGFF's mounted in Emil due to superior ballistics and a much higher rate of fire. (Personally, I find it much easier to aim just due to it's location in front of the cockpit rather than out on the wing.)

Sorry if this has gone way off topic.