One can get confused with those terms... when you mention "Rapid fire" you actually mean the shooting mode when you collect the weaponry item which it is part of the game in 1943.
That item is called "Auto" a rapid-fire item, large-caliber machineguns, limited to a certain number of shots, of course. That item is legal part of the game which practically appears in NES, Arcade and etc. Therefore, it's ok. No problem. More information, you go here:
https://strategywiki.org/wiki/1943:_The_Battle_of_Midway/NES_Walkthrough
Now, the concept "Autofire" is other stuff, which it is an external resource which is not part of the game. Therefore, it is not permitted, known as unfair advantage. It is not permitted here. Normally one will ask for some input display at the moment of doing gameplay performance, but it is up to the runners using input display or not. I hope my answer can help to your doubts. Visit that link so as to check the special weapon item.
