This article is still under construction. It may contain factual errors. See Talk:Red Tails for current discussions. Content is subject to change.
Red Tails is the 2012 World War II film that tells the true story of the 332nd Fighter Group, the fighter/bomber squadron composed of the first African-American combat pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps. The film was co-executive produced by Star Wars creator George Lucas and stars Terrence Howard, Bryan Cranston, Gerald McRaney, and Cuba Gooding Jr., who had previously appeared in 1995's The Tuskegee Airmen, another film about the squadron.
The following weapons appear in the film Red Tails:
The Browning M2 Aircraft heavy machine gun appears in the film as the primary armament of US Army Air Force bombers.
Browning M2 Aircraft (Fixed)
American P-40 and P-51 fighters are armed with fixed Browning M2 Aircraft machine guns.
MG131 Machine Gun
MG131 machine guns appear in the film as the primary armament of German Messerschmitt Me-109G fighters. Because it was much larger than the MG17, the MG131 required bulges in the engine cowling, which can be seen below.
MG 151/20 cannon
The Me-109Gs in the film are also armed with MG151/20 cannons, seen in the underwing gondolas.
MK 108 cannon
The German Me-262 jets are armed with four MK 108 cannons in the nose. Me-109s were also armed with a single MK 108 firing through the propeller hub. Tests verified that only four hits from an MK 108 were necessary to take down a bomber. With an Me-262, that's a single salvo.
Small Arms
M1911A1
The pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group all carry M1911A1 pistols as part of their flight gear.
Luger P08
The German officer at the prison camp draws what may be a Luger P08 when he discovers the escape.
M1 Garand
The M1 Garand is also one of the weapons carried by American troops storming a beach. German troops are also seen armed with them.
Karabiner 98k
German forces are seen using the Karabiner 98k to fire at the American planes.
MG34 machine guns are seen in twin mounts at the German airbase.
Other
20mm FlaK 38
Germans troops are seen firing 20mm FlaK 38 anti-aircraft guns.
8.8cm FlaK 36
An 8.8cm heavy anti-aircraft / anti tank gun can be seen as American P-40s attack an air base. This appears to have a two-piece FlaK 36 barrel, though it is unclear which model of gun cradle it is using.
Trivia
CZ-75B
Ne-Yo, who plays "Smokey," fires a CZ-75B during a boot camp featurette.