Originally posted by Ack-Ack
Were MG81's the LW version of the MG34?
ack-ack
No. The MG81 was a Mauser design while the MG34 was a Rheinmetall design although it borrowed much from the Mauser designed MG30. The early war MG15 and MG17 used as aircraft weapons were closer to the MG34 since they also was derived from the MG30.
The MG81 was an outstanding weapon with its high rate of fire (1600 rpm) that became useful as an anti-aircraft MG for the German army after it was phased out of service with the LW.