AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONAL NOTES TO "RAPID FIRE"

(updated 20 January 2008)

When I wrote 'Rapid Fire', I tried very hard to ensure that it contained no mistakes whatsoever! I have since realised that such an aspiration was unrealistic; information keeps trickling in which corrects, or adds to, that which I had before. With any such book, there is a choice between getting a reasonably complete one published, and spending the rest of your life trying to ensure it is perfect, but never seeing it in print! I have accordingly posted these pages to correct, expand upon and update 'Rapid Fire'; I hope readers will find them useful.

Corrections are in black, additional information in green, latest changes in red.

Thanks are due to the following for their contributions:

"ABNredleg" from TankNet, Paul Allcock, M. Angelelli, Alec Beanse, Ryan Boerema, Ted Bradstreet, Harold Brookshire, Lewis Curtis, Alexander Diehl, Denis Evstafyev, Vasiliy Fofanov, Björn Forsman, Roy Goodman, Antonio Gottardi, Tim Gurney, Emmanuel Gustin, Jason Herring, Frank Iannamico (article on .50 BMG in Sep 2007 Small Arms Review), Andrew Jaremkow, Tarjei Jensen, Christian Koll, Bob Mackenzie, Harald Mezger, Dirk Paulfeuerborn, Max Popenker, Michael Rausch, Gert Rossouw, Yuji Sasaki, Tom Schoene, Lothar Tabbert, Simon Tan, Geoffrey Tillotson, Jakub Uchytil, Lee Unterborn, Caspar Vermeulen, Jarkko Vihavainen, Hans-Christian Vortisch, Daniel Watters, Chris Werb, Bill Woodin, Vladimir Yakubov and Harry Zertner

In the following 'ue' is used as digraph form of the umlaut-u, (ü) which often does not survive travelling through email channels.

a) The word "Panzerbuesche" is consistently used as the German term for "anti-tank rifle", e.g. appendix one, p. 213. That is great fun for German readers, because it literally means "armored bushes": Panzer / armour; der Busch / the bush, die Buesche / the bushes. Probably not what you had in mind, which would be "Panzerbuechse". "Buechse" is the slightly archaic German term for "rifle", a more modern one would be "Gewehr". It was nevertheless widely used in military designations, e.g. the "Panzerschreck" Bazooka was called a Raketenpanzerbuechse".

b) On page 13, you mention for the first time the APCR or "Hardkernmunition" "Panzergranat 40". A very discerning (or insufferably nagging) reader could point out that this should be "Panzergranate 40", with a trailing "e", which makes a difference because there are hardly any silent letters in German. Well done on page 32, p. 276 etc. To be literal, a "Panzergranat" would be translated as "armoured shrimp". No, I am not kidding: die Granate / the shell, the grenade; der Granat / a species of large, edible North Sea shrimp. Admittedly, it is a word rarely used by anyone but fishermen, seafood wholesalers, and biologists.

c) p. 15: "Pfeil-geschoss" would better be "Pfeilgeschoss". The exact lexical rules for combing words into portmanteau terms are impenetrable even to Germans. "M-Geschoss" is spelled like this because the "M" represents an abbreviation, the full term would be "Minengeschoss" (correctly done throughout 'Rapid Fire'). Rule of thumb: when in doubt, don't separate German component terms if the components are used metaphorically or descriptively, to describe an organic whole. Examples: the "Gurt-Kanone" on p. 71 could be spelled like this, whereas the "Revolver-Kanone" on p.78 probably would be written as one word. The Gurt is not a necessary and indispensable part of the Kanone. If by now you find such fine-grained spelling rules pointless and hair-splitting, you are completely right ...

d) p. 55: "Rheinische Metallwaaren-und-Maschienenfabrik" should be "Rheinische Metallwaren- und Maschinenfabrik".

e) p. 60: "Luftwaffe's Rüstsatze" should be "Luftwaffen Rüstsätze"

f) p. 66 "Seebach Maschienenbau Aktien Gesellschaft": I don't know how the Swiss handle their spelling, but normally "Aktiengesellschaft" is one word. The lack of "-" between the words is not necessarily a mistake, more a matter of choice.

g) p. 94: Leichter Flakpanzer IV 'Kuegelblitz'.Actually, there is no "ue" in 'Kugel', only in its diminutive forms. Leichter Flakpanzer IV 'Kugelblitz' would be correct.

h) p. 106: "Waffenwerke Brunn". That city was called "Bruenn" in German, with an u-umlaut.

i) p. 221: "Patronen 318" is the plural, "Patrone 318" would be the more usual singular.

The following notes on Czech designations have been provided by Jakub Uchytil:

You say "ZB vz/53 and 15 mm ZB vz/60." This is a common mistake with Czech / Czechoslovak weapons; It should be ZB
53 and ZB 60. "vz" means "vzor" or "model" and is usually used in army designations together with the year when such weapon entered service.

Zbrojovka Brno factory designations (ZB) did often use the year in the number, but not always; it is true for the ZB26, ZB30, ZGB33 modifications of the famous LMG, and also for ZB 37 HMG (which was previously designated ZB 53....).The year was not used on ZB 53, ZB 60, ZB 80 and such weapons.  "vz" or "vzor" would not be used in factory designations at all.

To further complicate this, "ZB 26" was taken into army service as "light machinegun vz. 26".  Same I believe for ZB 37 which became "heavy machinegun vz. 37". ZB 60 never entered service with our army, and as such was not given "vz" designation; had this happened, it would likely become "heavy machinegun vz.35". Likewise ZB 501 became "LMG vz. 52" etc. etc.

There are exceptions to the rule of course (!!!), take the CZ 47/p submachinegun (factory designation from Ceska Zbrojovka), which was originally designated "SMG vz. 48a and vz. 48b" - correctly by year when it entered service, then, for whatever reason, in 1950 it was redesignated to "vz. 23 and vz. 25" - obviously no connection with years here - and then after conversion to Russian 7.62mm ammo it was designated "7.62 mm submachinegun vz. 24 and vz. 26". Just normal silly army nomenclature mistakes I guess, same as the vz. 58 (again back to year when it entered service) assault rifle being called "submachinegun vz.58" - it's still called that today.

CHAPTER 1: THE CARTRIDGE

PAGE 10:

The diagram of a cartridge case identifies the "head" as the extreme end, encompassing the primer. This area is now commonly known as the "base" of the case (although the term "headstamp" still remains) with "head" reserved for the portion of the case just forward of the extractor groove, rim or belt.

PAGE 14, 211 and 230:

There was one example of an attempt to use an APFSDS shot in aircraft. The 40mm PGU-31/B was developed for the Bofors gun fitted to the AC-130U gunship. The business end was a 230g tungsten alloy penetrator (11mm diameter with a 15:1 L/D ratio) which had a blunt tip covered by an aluminium windshield containing some incendiary compound to produce a bright flash on impact. Muzzle velocity was 1,335 m/s, giving a muzzle energy of 205,000 joules. However (contrary to the previous entry about this) the tests, carried out in the late 1980s/early 1990s, were unsuccessful and the round was not accepted.

PAGE 15:

The 30mm APFSDS suffers from severe rifling-induced yaw in the early part of its trajectory, and doesn't entirely settle down until it has passed 400m. Nammo have accordingly elected to use a slip-ring driving band to minimise the spin imparted to the projectile, although RWM (Rheinmetall Waffen und Munition - which has absorbed Oerlikon, Mauser and NWM) has selected a solid sabot for their 30x173 loading. Both are being offered for the MK44 gun in the USMC's amphibious EFV.  Nammo and RWM APFSDS projectiles were both tested in the 30x170 case of the Rarden gun, which resulted in 2007 in the selection and qualification of the RWM; it is now known whether any orders have been placed. RWM were working on an APFSDS round for the Russian 30x165 but that has since been cancelled.

PAGE 18:

The 20x102 PGU-28/B "multipurpose" ammunition used in the US M61 aircraft guns went through a period of suffering an unacceptable degree of premature detonations so the M50 series remained in service, with the PGU-28/B for emergency use only. In 2007 it was reported that modifications to the projectile had resolved the problem. It should be noted, however, that the M50 series may be more appropriate for the ground-attack missions for which the guns are currently employed, as it uses instant-action fuzes rather than delayed-action.

PAGE 19:

FAPDS ammunition is now available for the 23x152B ZU AA guns (PMA 276 from RWM; achieves 1,180 m/s), for the 30x173 (from RWM - 1,300 m/s) and for the 35x228 Oerlikon from RWM: the PMD 055 (mv 1,440 m/s, penetrates 90mm/1000m/0 degrees) plus the DM33 now in service for the German Gepard (over 1,400 m/s). Poland has tested a 35mm FAPDS in the Loara-A SPAAG. Canada has bought the RWM 25mm PMB 098 FAPDS for anti-helicopter use by LAVs. A 27mm FAPDS is being developed for the naval version of the Mauser BK 27. RWM was developing the PMC 304 FAPDS in the Russian 30x165 calibre for the 2A42/2A72 guns in BMPs, but this has been cancelled.

The frangible projectile design has now been adapted for aircraft use by RWM, in its new 20mm FAP (Frangible Armour Piercing)  PEA 280 ammunition, which may be fired from M39 and M61 cannon. This is a full-calibre shot ballistically matched to the PGU-28/B HEI round, and is intended for use against both unarmoured and lightly-armoured targets such as aircraft and ground vehicles. As with FAPDS, the tungsten alloy projectile breaks up on impact, sending a shower of fragments through the target. There are incendiary effects as each fragment strikes a surface, and the cloud of fragments travelling at supersonic velocity generates a powerful shock wave, adding to the general mayhem. As the projectile contains no explosive, it is subject to less restrictive transport and storage regulations than HE rounds. A 27mm version has been under development for the Mauser BK 27 aircraft gun.

Diehl has produced a rival to the FAP concept with the PELE (Penetrator with Enhanced Lateral Efficiency). This consists of a hard steel shell body with a lightweight (alloy or plastic) core and a light nose-cap, designed in such a way that the stresses of penetrating the target cause it to disintegrate in much the same way as FAP. In most versions a layer of small metal balls surrounds the core to provide additional fragmentation. The following rounds have already been qualified in Germany: 12.7 x 99 (M-DN 193); 20 x 102 (M-DN 203/293 - tracer); 20 x 139 (M-DN 213) and 27 x 145 B (DM-83/93 - tracer). Still under development are versions on 25 x 137 (M-DN 283) and 30 x 173 (M-DN 263). Projectile weights and muzzle velocities are standard. Penetration figures are given as follows: 12.7 x 99 = 22 mm/91 m; 20 x 102 = 10 mm/500 m; 20 x 139 = 12 mm/500 m; 25 x 137 = 13 mm/1,000 m/30 degrees; 27 x 145 B = 30 mm/100 m/30 degrees; 30 x 173 = 30 mm/100 m. They will all fragment after penetrating 2 mm Dural, except for the 12.7 x 99 which requires 3 mm. RWM has since acquired the rights to the technology.

PAGE 20:

Fuzes: I neglected to mention the "air fuze", which relies on the violent compression on impact of a column of air to ignite the fuze. This operating principle saw some use by the RAF and also by the Japanese, by whom it was known as the KUKI-SHINKAN. It appears to have only been used for aircraft guns, and the Japanese Army in particular valued it because their Ho-103 and Ho-5 guns fired HE shells from closed bolts, so it was important to use a fuze which was not ignited by heat in the chamber. Russia used them as well, in the 12.7mm MDZ projectile and in the 20mm ShVAK.

CHAPTER 2: THE GUNS

PAGE 50:

The Gatling gun shown in the photo is of .45" calibre, not .65" as stated. The .65" is illustrated in one of the colour plates which follow page 96.

PAGE 51:

The 37 mm Hotchkiss revolver gun was used extensively on land, that is in the German and French forts for the defence of the ditches. In 1877 the French started the first tests during which the Hotchkiss design proved best. It was introduced in 1879 in a calibre of 40 mm. The gun fired canister each loaded 24 balls of 32 gram Quite interesting is the rifling of the barrels. To get a better dispersion the angle of the rifling of each barrel was different, ranging from 1 turn in 1 m. to 6.70 m. The average rate of fire was 30 rounds per minute. The gun weighted 500 kg. 708 guns were ordered to be produced by 1882, and more may have been made since the French defences were extended after 1882. The French used the original 40mm gun into the early part of WW1 at the Verdun forts, for example. The guns were retained after World War One and the last guns are known to have fired in 1940. Two guns still exist: Musée des Invalides in Paris: this gun comes from Verdun, but it is missing many parts; and Fort d’Uxegney: totally restored and ready to fire.

The German revolver guns were almost identical to the French and produced by Gruson under license, although in a calibre of 37 mm. They had a rate of fire of 40 rounds/minute and fired canister with a range of 300 m. and HE with a range of 1,000 m. Curiously from 1889 onwards these guns were replaced in the German forts by manually loaded 5.3 cm guns. In WW1 the Germans used the 37mm version at Metz, Thionville etc. These guns were able to obtain a rate of 40 rounds per minute. They were later replaced by the MG 08.

 An interesting note regarding the French and German development. The French thought of the use of machine guns in the defence of their ditches. However only few were used, since they lacked the firing power and their trajectory was too flat. In comparison a single revolver gun could fire at least 720 balls per minute which weighted 32 gram with a more curved trajectory allowing them to better cover any crater in the ditch. Pointing wasn’t considered very important with a field of fire of lets say 200 x 10 m.

PAGE 61, 96 & 248:

The 1.1" USN was not based on a Browning design as stated; it was designed by Mr R F Hudson of the Navy Gun Factory in Washington. It was one of a series of guns intended by the designer to extend up to 3 inch calibre (although apart from the 1.1 inch only .30 and .50 versions were built). It used a gas-operated, long-recoil design which was rather complex but provided a smooth recoil impulse. It was first tested in 1933 but the quad mounting was not put into production until 1939. It required careful maintenance which became difficult to sustain in wartime conditions, so was soon replaced by the 20mm Oerlikon and 40mm Bofors, although it remained in service until 1945.

Information has become available about a Russian 45mm AA gun which was the precursor to the 37mm M39. Apparently, the Russians first scaled-up the Bofors 25mm design to take a powerful 45mm cartridge, then decided that this was too big and heavy and scaled it down to 37mm. The cartridge dimensions are not known, but the muzzle energy generated was very similar to that of the postwar 45mm naval AA gun. The following data has been provided: "During the 1938 trials the round weight was 1.44 kg and 1.46kg, the charge was 545 grams of mark 7/7 gun powder and MV was 960 m/s. During the 1940 trials the round weight was 1.463kg, the charge was 518 grams of mark 7/7 gun powder. The MV was 928.6m/s after the first round, 862 m/s after the 603rd round and 828m/s after the 1008th round. The cyclic RoF was at 0 degrees 140 rpm, at +85 degrees 120 rpm. The practical RoF was 70 rpm (max single burst length). The gun had a quick change barrel, the time to change barrel was 100 sec. The length of the barrel (without the breech and flash suppressor) - 3,150mm or 75 calibers. The weight of the barrel was 112 kg, the weight of the recoil mechanism was 276kg. The total weight of the barrel with everything attached was 675kg. The elevation was from -5 to +85 degrees, the elevation rate was 15-18 deg/s, the train rate was 50 deg/s. The total weight of the system was 2830 kg. The gun sight was calibrated to work from 0-5000 m for the targets moving from 0-140 m/s. The gun crew was 5 people and the weight of one clip was 10.5 kg."

PAGE 67:

API blowbacks: the Swiss Oerlikon company were in fact able to increase the rate of fire of these guns. The 1942 1SS (a modified version of the SS, chambered for the same 20x110RB cartridge) achieved 530-600 rpm and reportedly saw service with the German army. The later 2SS, produced around 1945, was the last of the line and reached 650 rpm. See the item Of Oerlikons and Other Things on my website.

PAGE 69 & 88:

The 15mm ZB vz 60 (Besa) was originally designed as a 20mm gun and successfully tested in 1933 (it fired at 250 rpm) but the Czech Army refused it and demanded an HMG instead; originally in 14.5mm, later increased to 15mm.

PAGE 71:

The NR-30 is not gas-operated as stated: it uses a linear recoil-operated design. The confusion over this was caused by the existence of a gas-operated mechanism: however this does not act on the breechblock, it is only used to break the recoil of the barrel and to pull it forwards again. So, actually the operation mechanism is short recoil with a gas mechanism saving the weight of the barrel return spring.

The Mauser MK 30 is now available in two versions; the MK 30-1, chambered for the aluminium-cased and percussion-primed 30x173 ammunition for the GAU-8/A, and the MK 30-2, chambered for steel-cased ammo: the case is similar to that for the Oerlikon KCA but is percussion rather than electric primed. There are some small differences in specification; the 30-1 weighs 161 kg, is 335 cm long and fires at 800 rpm, while the 30-2 weighs 173 kg, is 331 cm long and fires at up to 700 rpm (variable).

Both steel and alloy-cased percussion 30 x 173 ammunition can be used in the Bushmaster II Chain Gun (Mk 44).

A data sheet for the Oerlikon KBB is attached HERE

PAGE 76 & 110:

BMP-2 entered service in the 1970s, not 1980s

PAGE 78:

The 42mm 'Red Queen' revolver cannon being developed for the British Army was rejected in favour of the Bofors 40mm L/70, which remained in service until the Rapier missile took over. Red Queen fired a 42x270 cartridge, although a drawing of a 42x251 variant also exists, as does a 45x270 cartridge. The name 'Red King' also crops up - possibly inspired by the Oerlikon RK420 series which used a different cartridge 42x348; the ballistics were a 1.09 kg shell at 1,070 m/s. A more detailed story is told HERE.

The American 'Vigilante' SPAAG, which used a six-barrel rotary cannon in a new 37x219 calibre, was dropped in favour of the Mauler automatic AA missile system, which turned out to be a failure. More info HERE.

PAGE 80:

A new General Dynamics aircraft gun has been developed, initially for the Korean T/A-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer and light attack aircraft. It is essentially a three-barrel M61A2, firing the usual 20x102 ammunition at 3,000 rpm. System weight (empty) is quoted as 134 kg. The designation is not known.

PAGE 82, 207 & 248:

The M230 is now also offered in the M230LF variant, for both helicopters and AFVs (another attempt at the 30mm ASP?), which has about 65% commonality with the M230. RoF is reduced to 200 rpm, the barrel is lengthened from 106 cm to 152 cm, MV goes up from 800 m/s to 838 m/s, weight from 60 to 73 kg. It uses a linked rather than linkless ammo feed, and in the M230LF-2 version is available with hydraulic recoil dampers which cut the peak recoil load from 1,360 kg to 750 kg, aided by an increase in the recoil movement from 25 mm to 36 mm.

The Bushmaster III is a different gun from the Rh 503 (development of which has been shelved), although Boeing and Rheinmetall were co-operating over the development of the 35/50 Supershot ammunition; this also seems to have been shelved for the time being, due to lack of demand.

The Chain Gun family has now extended to include a 12.7x99mm version, intended for mounting in AFVs. It has a dual belt feed, weighs 34.4 kg, is 160 cm long and fires at 400 rpm. The intrusion of the gun into the turret is limited to 42 cm. ATK has also announced a Chain Gun chambered for the 25x59B grenade ammo from the XM307.

Denel of South Africa has developed the externally-powered G1 Camgun in 30x173 calibre, for arming AFVs.

CHAPTER 3: ARMY WEAPONS

PAGE 86, 232, 247:

A fascinating story about the 13mm TuF has emerged from the files of the Public Record Office. It has always seemed strange that there were rumours of the gun being intended for mounting in aircraft, given that the only illustrations, and records of use, cover those with water-cooled barrels on wheeled mountings. However, there is correspondence dated March 1921 of British efforts to acquire an example of this gun (around 24 were known to have been completed by Machinen-Fabrik Augsburg-Nurnberg and distributed in batches of three to eight, to different army units). The Military Committee of Versailles had previously decided that the TuF was an army weapon, and therefore not subject to seizure under the terms banning aircraft armament. However, the British tried to argue that the gun could easily be adapted for use in aircraft, so it ought to be considered an aircraft weapon! It appears that this ingenious ploy was unsuccessful.

It is also worth noting that an experimental 13mm aircraft gun, using the TuF's 13x92SR ammunition, was built - but it bore no relationship to the TuF. It was in fact a scaled-up twin-barrel Gast-Flieger-MG. A photo exists of one with air-cooled barrels and twin curved magazines mounted above the action. No further details are known.

Information has emerged about an experimental WW1 French 20mm automatic anti-tank cannon, in an article by Philippe Regenstreif in the International Ammunition Association Journal of January/February 2005. The gun was developed by the Société Anonyme des Automobiles Delaunay-Belleville. It reportedly used a system combining gas operation with long recoil, and the initial prototype weighed 30 kg. It was fed by a 200-round non-disintegrating metallic ammunition belt which was rolled around a lateral drum. No other information was provided about the gun, except that a patent was granted in 1917 and two prototypes were made. The ammunition was semi-rimmed and had a case length of 115mm, a rim diameter of 29mm and a maximum body diameter of 27.4mm. 1,000 cases were ordered. Bullets weighing between 92 g and 126 g were tested, but those weighing between 102 and 109 g proved most successful. Muzzle velocities were in the region of 850-890m m/s. Testing took place between March 1918 and May 1919, after which nothing more was heard of the Delauney-Belleville. The tests included firing against a German A7V tank; at a range of 200m and a striking angle of 65 degrees; the 21mm armour defeated one bullet but was penetrated by a second.

PAGE 93:

Some interesting information has emerged about some experimental German light Flak guns developed before and possibly during WW2. They consisted of eight barrels, closely packed together either in one horizontal row or in two vertical rows of four. The guns used salvo firing, apparently with a common breech block for all barrels, and therefore resemble the current Spanish Meroka. However, it appears that these guns were recoil-operated. They were known as 'Salvenmaschinenkanonen'. Four different examples exist at the Victory Museum in Moscow, but unfortunately they are incomplete. An Allied document from 1945 describes five different multi-barrel weapons (Mehrlaufwaffen): 2cm SMK V1 and V2 (from Rheinmetall-Borsig), 16mm ML16 (Mauser), 16mm from Gustloff and SMK17. However, only one of the guns at the museum appears to relate to this list: that is the SMK 18V1. [Information from 'Nuts & Bolts' Vols 03 and 08, which include detailed descriptions and photographs]

PAGE 96:

More information about the Schneider M1930: contrary to previous statements it did not use the 37x277R ammunition used in the M1925 and M1933 naval AA guns and the M1934 casemate gun. Instead, it used a 37x300R case, one of which has come to light. The HE shell weighed 750 g and was fired at 800 m/s, at a cyclic rate of 175 rpm. 700 pieces were ordered, but only 20 examples were in service by June 1940, equipping 5 batteries.

The second page of colour plates after page 96 includes a photo of a sectioned base-fuzed HE-SD projectile. The caption says it is for the Bofors 40x364R but in fact it is a Diehl DM 101 in 20mm calibre.

PAGE 100:

The Browning .50" M2HB is available with a quick-change barrel from various makers, but this refinement was only adopted into US service in 1998, with the ordering of the Saco M2QCB. An upgrade program for existing M2s has also recently begun (in the last couple of years) to bring them up to the M2E50 standard. Initially believed to be a legitimate designation, it turns out that in reality M2E50 is really just a rewording of M2 E-50, for Enhanced 50 [Caliber Machine Gun]. This upgrade includes the QCB, and a number of other improvements.

The photo headed "75mm Skysweeper" is in fact a picture of Green Mace, an experimental 5 inch calibre British automatic AA gun. It fired a fin-stabilised 'dart' shell at up to 75 rpm but the project was abandoned in 1956.

The 12.7mm NSV does not use a Kalashnikov rotating bolt, but a tilting bolt.

ZPU stands for Zenitnaya Pulemetnaya Ustanovka.

Prototypes of the KPV were being tested by 1944; there was also a Degtyarev design in the same 14.5mm calibre. The Degtyarev used a rotating bolt operating mechanism and appeared before the KPV, in 1943, but it was not put into production.

The 14.5mm KPV appears to be seeing a revival in use for ground fighting as anti-guerrilla warfare, such as exists in Chechnya, calls for the ability to deliver heavy automatic firepower at a moment's notice.

PAGE 101:

A new 12.7mm HMG is being offered by the Degtyarev company; the Kord. The specification appears very similar to the NSV but  the locking mechanism is different and the gun is claimed to achieve double the accuracy and to keep firing longer between barrel changes.

The Bulgarian Arsenal company manufactures the MG-U HMG in 12.7x108. This is gas-operated with a wedge-type lock with four locking lugs. It weighs 25 kg, is 156 cm long and fires at 700 rpm. The 70-round magazine box weighs 12.5 kg loaded, and it is available with three different mountings; a tall tripod for ground firing (55 kg), an adjustable tripod (with a seat) for ground and AA fire (92.5 kg) and a fixed column (80 kg). This appears to be the Russian NSV.

A new Polish HMG has been announced: the 12.7mm UTIOS (meaning 'cliff' in Russian: presumably because advancing forces have about as much chance against it as if they were climbing a cliff!). This is the Russian NSV.

The US Army is, surprisingly, developing a new 12.7 mm MG to replace the venerable M2. It is known as the XM-312 (the designation XM307K50 has also been used) and fires the standard 12.7 x 99 HMG ammo. It is much lighter and has less than half the recoil of the M2. It is to weigh no more than 20 kg (including tripod) and must at least equal the M2's sustained RoF of 40 rpm. Cyclic rate is only 260 rpm, and the gun appears to utilised 'floating firing' or differential recoil technology, in which each shot is fired only as the barrel group is travelling forwards (this is probably the only way to achieve the low recoil requirement). The gun must also be convertible to fire the 25 x 59 B ACSW round by exchanging only a few items, and it appears to be basically the same as the ACSW except for the calibre and the omission of the advanced (and expensive) sighting / ballistic computer / fuze-setting fittings which are required to fire the 25mm in airburst mode. The XM-312 project seems to be proceeding but the current status is not known.

The US Army has fielded the new XM101 Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS). This mounting uses two-axis stabilisation so that it can be fired while the carrying vehicle is on the move. There are two versions of the system, the standard model which can take weapons of up to .50 M2, 12.7mm GAU-19 and 40mm MK 19 AGL, and the mini-CROWS, or CROWS-lite, which can take M249, M240, 12.7mm XM312 and 25mm XM307 (ACSW). Interesting, by the way, that the .50 M2 requires the standard model while the 25mm XM307 can fit in the mini version; presumably that's because of the much smoother recoil impulses of the ACSW. Ammunition storage is external, consisting of more than 500 rounds of .50, 2,000 rounds of 7.62mm or 96 40mm grenades. The mounting comes with the usual video sighting system, featuring a FLIR scope zooming up to 18 power, and a daylight scope to 27 power, so it can be used for long-range surveillance as well as targeting. There is a range-finding laser linked to a FCS computer which automatically sets the correct elevation for the range. The sight can be decoupled from the gun for surveillance purposes. This is initially expected to be fitted to the up-armoured M1114 HMMWV but is also planned for the M1117 Armoured Security Vehicle and may be fitted to the M93 Fox and probably Stryker. Recent documentation on the XM101 CROWS has indicated that there are plans to test fit it with the M230 cannon (possibly the M230LF variant).

As mentioned above, the Chain Gun family has now extended to include a 12.7 x 99 version, intended for mounting in AFVs. It has a dual belt feed, weighs 34.4 kg, is 160 cm long and fires at 400 rpm. The intrusion of the gun into the turret is limited to 42 cm.

The South African firm of Vektor is developing a family of weapons based on the same design but available in different calibres. The gun is known as the GAMA (Gun Automatic Multiple Ammunition) and is based on the GA-1 (aka Mauser MG 151/20). Calibres planned so far are as follows: 12.7 x 99, 12.7 x 108, 14.5 x 114, 20 x 82, 20 x 102, 20 x 110. Weights range from 47 to 55 kg, and RoFs from 500-600 rpm (12.7 x 99) to 750-850 rpm (14.5 x 114). Since the 23 x 115 is just the 14.5 x 114 necked-out, it makes you wonder why they don't offer that as well! This is an interesting reminder of the WW2 American T17 project, which consisted of adapting the MG 151 to fire the .60 anti-tank ammunition (the cartridge case for which was subsequently necked out to create the 20 x 102).

PAGE 103:

Towed 23mm ZU AA gun mountings are still being developed: the Polish Army has ordered 44 examples of the heavily modified ZUR-23-2TG which has two 23mm guns and two GROM MANPADS, plus a new electro-optical sight.

Upgrades of the Shilka SPAAG system are legion:

• Ukraine offering "Donets": on T-80U chassis with improved radar and FCS plus four SA-13 SAMs.
• Russia offering refit with two 30mm 2A38M cannon, plus EO tracker
• Russia adding SA-16/SA-18 SAM pods to turret
• Netherlands upgrading the radar and FCS
• etc, etc!

The Chinese are marketing the Type 95 tracked SPAAG, which features four 25mm cannon, two on each side of a turret, and four SAMs. It reportedly entered Chinese service some years ago and is now available for export. The type of 25mm gun is unclear, although it is stated that it is already in service with the PLA in other applications. The Chinese have long had the Russian 25mm naval gun in service, which fired 25x218 ammunition, but as the muzzle velocity of the Type 95 guns is quoted as over 1,000 m/s and the rate of fire as 600-800, this would appear to be ruled out. It is known that the Chinese have shown interest in both the Oerlikon KBA (25x137) and KBB (25x184) so the new guns are presumably one or the other of these!

PAGE 107:

The Pantsyr S1 is now available with two 30mm 2A38 twin-barrel guns as an alternative to the 2A72 cannon. The United Arab Emirates has taken delivery of the first batch of Russian KBP Pantsir-S1 SPAAGs in this form. These are in effect upgraded Tunguskas, featuring the same pair of 2A38M twin-barrel 30mm cannon plus 8 SAMs, and on an upgraded chassis. The Russians had no money to complete the development of this system so it has been paid for by UAE.

Eastern European gun/missile AA systems continue to proliferate. The Slovaks are about to introduce into service STROP, a SPAAG on a 8x8 chassis, which combines one 2A38 gun with SA-14 SAMs and are reportedly developing another version with a 35-1000 Oerlikon revolver cannon. The Russians are offering the trailer-mounted SOSNA, which in its base form consists of one 2A38 but can have four SOSNA-R 9M337 missiles added, with an 8km range. The Poles have now adopted the "Loara" SPAAG, with twin 35mm Oerlikon guns in a turret on a tracked chassis (NOT with a 40mm Bofors and SAMs as previously reported; a missile-equipped version is still being developed).

PAGE 108:

The Gepard is now being fitted with Stinger missiles on both gun mounts as a further upgrade.

The Polish land forces have taken delivery of their first PZA Loara SPAAG. It is similar to the Gepard, featuring two 35mm Oerlikon KDA guns, one on each side of a radar-equipped turret which is installed on a PT-91 Twardy MBT chassis.

Oerlikon-Contraves is offering a turreted version of their KDG revolver cannon (formerly known as the 35/1000) for use in a Millennium system SPAAG.

Poland is upgrading the old 57mm S-60 AA gun for a naval battalion. It will feature a low-level surveillance radar linked to an automated command and control post. Deliveries are expected in 2007/8.

PAGE 109+:

The development of mountings for heavy automatic weapons for ground fighting continues apace.  At the smaller end of the spectrum, turrets for 12.7mm and/or 40mm AGL are very popular, particularly for peacekeeping duties. The Grenade Turret version of the new Korean IFV carries both weapons in a one-man turret, while Denel of South Africa offers the new LCT12.7 turret which can take either weapon, plus a 7.62mm MG. The Russian 30mm AGS-17 AGL is also appearing as a secondary weapon on various new and upgraded AFVs. The USA has adopted the Recon/Optical Inc. Remote Weapon Station to fulfill the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station requirement to arm a range of light vehicles. Initially, it is displayed with a .5" M2HB (that old bruiser must be setting new records for the length of time a weapon has remained in front-line service with a major power!).  

At the other end of the scale, planned upgunnings of light AFVs are legion. Unsurprisingly, the USMC is considering replacing the 25mm Bushmaster cannon on their LAV wheeled vehicles with the 30mm MK44 (marinised Bushmaster II) also selected for their new EFV. Denel is offering a new turret with their own 35mm externally-driven EMAK cannon as a replacement for 90mm manually-loaded guns on the Ratel and other light armoured cars (not exactly an upgunning in calibre, but an interesting shift of emphasis away from general fire support and towards the anti-armour role).  The 40mm gun turret from the CV9040 is offered on the Mowag Piranha 10x10 vehicle.

A curious new vehicle is now being offered by China; the NORINCO FAV (Fast Attack Vehicle).  It has an open, jeep-type body and is primarily of interest because of a 23mm cannon mounted on the roll-over bars.  Jane's suggests that it is chambered for the 23x115 aircraft gun round rather than the 23x152B ZU, which would seem odd if true. This is said to be capable of 200 to 400 rpm and to be a chain gun type, although Boeing, which owns the rights to the name, professes no knowledge of this gun....

PAGE 110:

The Luchs was adopted in 1974, after the Marder MICV.

SPz 12-3 is a very uncommon name. The normal name was HS 30 or SPz lang (AIFV long). At the same time there was also the SPz kurz (AIFV short) witch based on the French Hotchkiss TT 6. One version of this vehicle was armed with a HS 820 L/85 gun, it was used as reconnaissance tank and was the precursor of the Luchs.

Following a recent review, it was decided to extend the operational life of the Warrior to 2035 rather than seek a replacement vehicle: it will continue to provide the 'heavy' MICV element, alongside the Challenger tank, which will also remain in service for a long time, albeit refitted with a modified Rheinmetall smoothbore 120mm L/55 gun. This has resulted in a requirement for a major upgrade for the Warrior, originally known as WLIP (Warrior Lethality Improvement Programme), now as WFLIP (with the addition of "Fightability"). The key element will be a two-man turret with a stabilised gun and sighting system, capable of achieving a high first-round hit probability while on the move (Warrior currently has to stop to fire its unstabilised L21A2 30mm Rarden cannon), with state-of-the-art sensor and defensive aids suites, and with an airburst capability for its ammunition. The choice of armament  has yet to be determined, but it has come down to a fight between the 40mm CTA (see notes on page 207) or the ATK 30//40mm MK44. See THIS article for more information.

PAGE 111:

The 2A14 cannon in 23x152B is in fact the same as that used in the ZU AA gun. The gun used in the ZSU SPAAG is slightly different and is known as the 2A7.

The requirements of the fighting in Chechnya has stimulated the development of other installations of the 30mm 2A42, including on overhead mounting for one cannon (plus a 7.62mm PKT) installed on a BTR-80.

PAGE 112:

The Sheridan was equipped with a 152mm rather than 155mm gun.

PAGE 113, 228 & 231:

Work continues on providing new loadings for the 30x173 cartridge. As well as the Nammo APFSDS (see Page 132 note below), Oerlikon-Contraves (now Rheinmetall Waffen und Munition, which includes Oerlikon, Mauser and NWM) is offering FAPIDS-T, APFSDS-T and ABM loadings. The FAPIDS-T weighs 235g, is fired at 1,385 m/s and claimed to penetrate a modest 31mm RHA at 1,000m. The APFSDS-T (developed in conjunction with Mauser) has the same weight and muzzle velocity but penetrates 58mm at the same distance: it is being offered by ATK for the USMC's EFV requirement. The ABM (Air Burst Munition) round employs AHEAD technology, with a time fuze programmed as the shell leaves the muzzle, and an adjustable stand-off distance for attacking particular targets. The first two were also offered in the Russian 30x165 calibre but have now been dropped. Also see the Diehl PELE under development (notes on Page 19).

The Bushmaster II in 30x173 (now replaced in production by the MK44, the marinised version) and the BIII in 35x228 are both achieving a claimed dispersion of 0.3 to 0.4 mils; an impressive performance.

The USMC claim that the 30mm Bushmaster II as used in the EFV (MK46 turret) is comparable in cost to the 25mm Bushmaster, and about half the cost of the 35/50mm Bushmaster III. The MK46 has had lots of problems, though, mainly connected with the ammo feed. The next ammunition development is planned to be an air-burst munition, which has emerged as the MK310 Mod 0: it weighs 423 g and is fired at 980 m/s.

United Defense has revealed details of two variants of its Unmanned Ground Vehicles programme, based on a 6x6 chassis and weighing 8.5 tons. They are intended to be deployed in advance of manned vehicles, where the risks are greatest. They are both known as ARV (armed robotic vehicle), the variants being as follows:

This is interesting as it may confirm the future direction of light AFV armament for the US Army, i.e. the 25mm Bushmaster replaced by the 30mm MK44, and the 25mm XM307 taking over where a lighter armament is required.

The "Super 40" version of the Bushmaster II is as expected a straight-case version of the 30x173, much lengthened in APFSDS form so that only the tip of the projectile is visible (very like the 50x330 Supershot). See notes on Page 207.

More information has emerged about APDS ammunition for the Russian 30x165 cartridge used in the 2A42 and 2A72.  The first generation was known as "Trezubka"; the entire projectile (including sabot) weighed 390g and was fired at 870 m/s to achieve a penetration of 25mm/1000m/60 degrees, the latest is known as "Kerner", with figures of 304g at 1,120 m/s and 25mm/1,500m/60 degrees.

Optimised 30-35mm autocannon munitions (dubbed Air Bursting Munitions) have been developed between RWM and Singapore, essentially AHEAD optimised for use by MICVs against ground targets. Unlike normal AHEAD, it is designed to produce fragmentation lobes to enable the engagement of targets in defilade. The 35mm version contains a larger number of smaller sub-projectiles than AHEAD: 341 (each weighing 1.5 g and 4.65 mm in diameter) as opposed to 152 (each 3.3 g and 5.85 mm diam).

The following data was produced in the late 1990s:

35x228mm APDS-T : weight projectile: 380g mv: 1440m/s 90mm/0°/1000m

35x228mm APFSDS-T " penetrator: 388g " 1417m/s 120mm/0°/1000m

50x330mm APFSDS-T " " 640g " 1600m/s 180mm/0°/1000m

(NB the data for the 50x330 on page 213 needs correcting; it should have said "APFSDS" anyway!)

China has adopted a 25mm gun for its ZSD-89-II MICV, but it is not clear which ammunition this fires. Both manned turret and overhead gun mounts have been seen.

The Japanese M80 MICV referred to is now in service as the Type 89, still armed with the Oerlikon 35mm KDE (and the only user of this gun, I believe). It reportedly entered service in 1996 with 70 delivered by 2003.

The 35mm Bushmaster III has been ordered by both the Netherlands and Denmark for their CV9035 MICVs.

GD Land Systems Canada has introduced the IFV-35 two-man turret system. It was evolved from the LAV-25 turret and is compatible with tracked or wheeled IFVs. Combat weight is 4,890 kg, with stabilised 35mm Bushmaster III, 90-150 ready rounds, 7.62mm M240 co-ax, all-round armour protection against 14.5mm AP at 500m, frontal against 30mm AP 500m.

The 40mm L/70 Bofors (or at any rate something firing the same ammo) is to be used in the new South Korean IFV, the K300.

The old Russian 57mm S-60 AA gun may be gaining a new lease of life in the ground-fighting role. Rosoboronexport is offering an upgraded PT-76 light amphibious tank with a version of this gun, in a turret designated AU-220M. The fully stabilised gun is supplied by a captive belt magazine containing 20 rounds, which is in turn fed by a mechanised stowage ammunition system holding another 72 rounds. The turret also contains a coaxial 7.62mm MG, day and night sights and a laser-guided rangefinder linked to a fire-control computer. The AU-220M is claimed to be suitable for fitting to a wide range of other platforms. More effective rounds than the usual AP and HE are said to be under development.

PAGE 115, 199, 229 & 236:

ATK have announced a new lightweight 25mm Chain Gun, the Bushmaster LW25, chambered for the same 25x59B ammunition as the XM307. It is presumably derived from the .50 Bushmaster (referred to in note on page 101 above).

More information about that Chinese 35mm AGL (now designated Type 87). It is a blowback gun with a cyclic rate of 400-500 rpm, and fires a 270 g projectile at a muzzle velocity of 170 m/s, for a muzzle energy of 3,900 joules. It weighs 12 kg on a bipod, 20 kg on a tripod. There are six or nine-round box magazines and a twelve-round drum. The shell will penetrate 80mm armour and the fragments have a 10m wounding radius. Maximum range is 1,500m, effective range 600m.

The Romanian 'Ratmil' is now known as the ROMARM AGA-40 Model 85 and is in Romanian Army service. However, it seems that its unique 40x74.5 ammo has been replaced by the usual HV 40x53SR (at least for export purposes).

More data on the South African Vektor AGL: it uses the long-recoil mechanism, weighs 29 kg weapon only (cradle 12 kg) and is 86 cm long with the usual 30 cm barrel. RoF is 360-425 rpm.

Singapore Technologies have introduced the LWAGL (Light Weight Automatic Grenade Launcher) which weighs only 14 kg, is 1 metre long (with a 40cm barrel) and fires at 350 rpm. It uses a "Recoil Mitigation System" which reduces the peak recoil impulse by about 50% over conventional AGLs. Since most AGLs have either a long-recoil or API blowback system, which are inherently low-recoil anyway, this suggests that the weapon might use a differential recoil system (like the ACSW). An associated 40mm range-fused grenade is derived from the RWM AHEAD system; they have been working in collaboration to produce the grenade and fire control system.

General Dynamics Armament Systems has introduced a new 40mm AGL, the MK47 'Striker' (also known as the CG-40, presumably to avoid confusion with the Vektor Striker!), which is intended to replace the ubiquitous MK19. It weighs only 17.5 instead of 35kg and is more compact, with a length of 940mm.  Rate of fire is reduced from 325-375 to 250-300 rpm.  Interestingly, the percentage of the weight recoiling is quoted as 55 rather than 22, which suggests that it uses a long-recoil or differential recoil system rather than API blowback mechanism.  It was designed in conjunction with programmable air-bursting ammunition developed by NAMMO, and an advanced electronic fire control system from Computing Devices Canada. It would therefore appear to match the capabilities of the 25mm ACSW Advanced Crew-Served Weapon (formerly known as OCSW)...(see Page 210). A contract for its production was awarded by US Special Operations Command in October 2002. RWM and Singapore Technologies Kinetics are developing airburst ammunition for the 40x53SR AGL round. This has a dual-function electronic timed or impact fuze, with the timing have a range of between 40 and 1,600 m. The shell contains at least 330 tungsten balls each weighing 0.25 g, and is designed to be effective against the 'NATO Protected Man'.

The 30mm AGS 30 is typically equipped with a box holding 30 rounds, which weighs 13.7 kg.

A new approach to individual firepower is represented by the RAG-30, produced by Technopol in the Slovak Republic. This is based around the 30x29B VOG-17 and VOG-17M grenade cartridges used by the AGS-17, AGS-30 and AG-17A, but is a light, shoulder-fired weapon intended for one-man operation using its built-in bipod. It weighs just 11.7 kg empty or 13.2 kg with a full, 5-round, box magazine (fitted above the breech, as with the Bren Gun). Overall length is 100 cm with butt extended, 75 cm collapsed, and it has a 30 cm barrel. Rate of burst fire is 350 rpm (single-shot fire is also available) and it has a maximum range of 600m with iron sights, 1,700m with optical sights. A similar weapon is now being offered, the 'Arbalet', also using the Russian 30x29B ammunition. It has a drum magazine (10 rounds) under the gun, and weighs 10 kg empty.

A 40mm Russian AGL is now offered, the 'Balkan', which bears a close resemblance to the AGS-17 and may be an adaptation of it. This weighs 30 kg, fires at 400 rpm and has a range of 2,500m. The ammunition used is unclear.

Automatic grenade launchers were developed in the USSR in the 1930s. Taubin, who led the OKB-16 design group, became obsessed with the idea of an infantry support weapon that could fire fragmentation rounds in both direct and indirect fire. By 1935 he had found support in the top ranks of Red Army, and began development of the 40.6mm AGL; the projectiles were based on the 40.6mm Diakonov rifle grenade, the weapon itself was long-recoil, locked breech gun with top-feed five-round chute or box magazine, usually mounted on Maxim-type wheeled mount.  The cyclic rate was 200 rpm. Muzzle velocity was 120 m/s and the maximum range 1,200m. It weighed 16 kg (24 kg with sight) and one round of ammunition weighed 0.6 kg. It was proposed as infantry Company-level support weapon, as a replacement for 50/60mm mortars, as well as a mounted weapon for riverine armored vessels of Amur river fleet. By 1938 small-scale manufacture of the 40.6mm Taubin AGL was initiated, and larger caliber weapons of same concept were in development for vehicle applications. A few 40.6 Taubin AGL's were used during the Winter War with Finland in 1940, apparently sucessfully. However, changes in the top ranks of the Red Army and especially the arrest of Marshal Tukhachevsky withdrew support from the AGL concept and Taubin was destroyed by rivals from the Mortar school - he was arrested and executed in 1941. A belt-fed AGL (15-20 round capacity) was also developed by Taubin for installation in aircraft wings, but rejected for the same reason.

At least one other design also existed, at least on paper - it was a Degtyarov AGL of the same caliber. It looked like the DP-27 LMG with a thick and stubby barrel, probably with a box overhead magazine. I have no idea if it existed at all, as the only information available is a drawing of the gun less magazine

The change in emphasis from "hot" war to peacekeeping and anti-guerrilla fighting is producing some curious AFV weapon installations. For example, the Russians have revealed a venerable APC MT-LB fitted with a turret armed with an AGS-17 AGL, a 12.7mm Kord, and a 23mm GSh-23 twin-barrelled aircraft gun! Its intended purpose is as a fire support vehicle for infantry and transport columns operating in dangerous territory. Since SPAAGs have always seen more use against ground targets than against the aircraft they were designed to combat, it makes sense to develop simpler weapon systems for the purpose. So the 23mm ZU has remained popular with the Russians and the twin mounting is found fitted to 6x4 trucks or the MT-LB.

CHAPTER 4: NAVAL GUNS

PAGE 120 &227:

Fascinating news has emerged of a hitherto almost unknown Vickers automatic AA gun in 25.4mm calibre, which actually saw service. It was developed in the mid-1930s and installed in the Argentinian training cruiser 'La Argentina', built by Vickers between 1936 and 1939. The ship was equipped with twelve 25.4mm air-cooled Vickers 'machine guns' in twin mountings.  This armament was removed in a refit in 1950. The cartridge was very different from the old 25.4x87R Vickers used in the '1 inch' gun (which saw some service in Italian bombers in WW1 and on Swedish submarines in the 1920s). The 1930s gun fired a cartridge with a case length of 189mm and a rim diameter of 34.8mm. It looks similar to, but is slightly shorter and slimmer than, the post-WW2 Russian 25x218. See HERE for more details and illustrations.

PAGE 121:

Some further  information concerning the USN's 1.1" AA gun: it had a maximum range of 7,300 yards (6,675m) and a maximum altitude of 16,000 feet (4,875m). The effective range and altitude would of course have been small fractions of these. The ammunition used highly sensitive fuzes which sometimes detonated in or close to the muzzle. For this reason, some ships did not exercise with live ammunition, preferring to save this until it the ship was under attack.

PAGE 124:

Some more information about the Lahti L-34 "boat gun". Ten of these guns were ordered by the Finnish Coast Guard (Merivartiosto) for use in the new VMV patrol boats (although most of these boats carried the 20mm Madsen instead). They were manufactured by VKT (Tampella). There was an experimental wheeled mounting but the service weapons had a simple pillar mounting. When firing AP shot penetration was 30mm/300m/90 degrees or around 20mm/300m/60 degrees. Some more data has emerged on the L-34: the gun was available with a magazine feed (15-round box or 30-round drum) or with a belt feed. Gun weight was 60 kg with mag feed, 69 kg with belt feed. Rate of fire was 325-360 rpm and it had a maximum range of 8,000m, with a maximum elevation of 6,900m. Three different projectiles were available, all weighing 136g: an AP-T, and HE and an HE with an extra-sensitive fuze. Cartridge weight was 275g and the muzzle velocity 800 m/s.

PAGE 126 & 230:

The 37mm M42 German naval AA gun did not in fact use exactly the same ammunition as the PaK 36 anti-tank gun; the rim was slightly thicker so the rounds were not interchangeable.

PAGE 128:

The statement that the USN's 5 inch L/38 gun had a minimum effective AA range of 5,000m is incorrect - it is more likely that this was the maximum effective range.

The S-Boote were increasingly upgunned during the war, in the end they sported anything from MG 42s to 40 mm Bofors. A special "Parellelogram" mount was developed for installing a single 2 cm Flak 38 over a bow gun pit, capable of firing at air and surface targets.The ingenuity invested in this mount was however partly wasted: at anything but slow speeds, the Schnellboote rose high out of the water, with their bows in the air, so the bow gunner couldn't aim ahead. OTOH, the S-Boote could make 45 knots this way.

PAGE 130:

The Typhoon NT-D lightweight, stabilised, remote-control mount for small/medium naval vessels has been introduced by Rafael. This carries two NT-D missiles and a cannon in the 20-30mm range; suggested are 20mm HS 804, 23mm ZSU-23, 25mm M242 Bushmaster, and 30mm KCB. It has seen a number of international sales, e.g. to Australia.

The French are adopting the GIAT Narwhal remotely-operated gun mounting (similar in principle to the Typhoon and the German MLG 27 described below). This is available with guns from the 20M621 to the 30M781, but the Navy has apparently chosen the 20mm version.

PAGE 131:

The 25mm Bushmaster in USN service is known as the Mk 38 gun. As well as the unpowered Mk 88 mounting, it is available in the powered and stabilised Mk 96 mounting (as fitted to the Cyclone class Patrol Coastal ships). This mounting is also fitted with a coaxial 40mm AGL.

PAGE 132:

The 30mm Bushmaster II has been replaced in production by  the MK44 gun (in the Mk 46 mounting) for the USN. Trials have been successfully conducted with Nammo APFSDS ammunition.

PAGE 135:

The single Mauser BK 27 naval mounting referred to has now been designated the MLG 27. It weighs 850 kg and does not require deck penetration. The mounting is remotely controlled via the gunner's control station below deck, is stabilised and has a laser rangefinder and TV and IR cameras with a video tracking system permitting night and all-weather operation. It can use the full range of 27x145B ammunition developed for the aircraft gun, plus a new FAPDS which offers extended range (230g projectile/175g penetrator at 1,100 m/s, still doing 970 m/s at 1,000m - takes 0.95 secs to get there. Accuracy 0.3 mrad). The MLG 27 is offered as a modern replacement for older weapons of between 20mm and 40mm, both a primary weapon for smaller vessels and a secondary gun for larger ships. Claimed effective ranges are 2,500m against aircraft or high-speed agile naval craft, 4,000m against larger vessels or for precision attack of land targets. Claimed hit probabilities for a one-second burst are 65% against a speedboat at 2,000m, and over 80% against an aircraft at the same range. It has been selected for the German Navy to replace 20mm and 40mm weapons, with over 90 being ordered.

The 6K30GSh is a version of the GSh-6-30K with a longer barrel block, long flash suppressors and improved durability. It is used in the 3M87 Kortik/Kashtan, Palash and Palma CIWS systems. The Kashtan is the export version of the 3M87 Kortik system, which as well as being fitted to the Piotr Veliki (accepted into service in 2001 and now the flagship of the Russian Northern Fleet), is also used in the Admiral Kuznetsov and Admiral Nahimov (6 or 8 mountings each) and two Project 1154 corvettes (2 mountings).

Russia is now offering a naval version of the SOSNA (see page 107 above) designated PALMA. It consists of two 30mm AO-18KD guns with longer barrels and eight SOSNA-interoperable missiles.

The factory designation of the AO-18L is the GSh-6-30L.

The Chinese Navy has adopted a new 30mm CIWS known as the 730 (and also as the Type 825) which appears to be closely based on the experimental French SAMOS system of the late 1980s. This was very similar to the Signaal Goalkeeper in that it used a GAU-8/A cannon; it is presumed that this has been carried over to the Type 825.

PAGE 138:

In Russia, the St Petersburg "Arsenal" plant is expected to finish, by the end of 2005, trials of a new 57mm gun (designated A-220) with a rate of fire 300 rpm, intended for patrol boats.

CHAPTER 5: WEAPONS FOR AIR FIGHTING

PAGE 147 and 249:

The .5" Vickers Class B aircraft gun was not purely experimental. Small numbers were sold to both Siam (Thailand) and Japan in the 1930s, although no aircraft installations have so far emerged. It is presumed that these guns were chambered for the semi-rimmed version of the 12.7x81 cartridge. It now appears that the IJA's use of this cartridge in the Ho-103 aircraft gun was a separate development via Italy (who adopted this calibre for the Breda-SAFAT and Scotti aircraft guns), and the Italian explosive projectiles were adopted by Japan.

PAGE 150 (bottom of first column) should read:

"(The BH did not see service although the simpler, semi-automatic BD was used in naval craft.)": i.e. patrol boats and the like, not aircraft.

Side views of the Vickers Class S 40mm gun are shown HERE

PAGE 151:

Further information about the Littlejohn version of the 40mm S gun, tested on a Hurricane, is here.

The Vickers 47mm Class P gun reached the stage of air testing postwar, fitted to a Tempest V. See the separate article on the P gun on this website.

There is more information about the Molins gun and its ammunition here.

PAGE 153:

More information on the development of the .50 BMG in WW2. Various efforts to speed up the gun resulted in the T36 development by High Standard, which raised the RoF by about 100 rpm and was adopted in late 1944 as the M2A1. Only 8,000 were made before it was replaced by the faster-firing M3 (which was developed by Frigidaire as the M25E3). Only 2,400 M3 guns had been procured by the end of WW2.

PAGE 154:

More information on cartridges for the US .90 inch series: the 23x139SR referred to was in fact only used in the final, T4, design. The T2 used a cartridge which appears to be identical to the T4's, except that the rim is considerably rebated. The T3 round is similar to the T2 and may be the same (judging by a photograph). The T1 round is very different: a shortened and necked-down version of the 1.1" naval gun round (28x199SR). Case length appears to be about 150mm.

PAGE 156:

The Russians continued to experiment with recoilless aircraft guns. The 37mm ARKON had its recoil balanced by gas ejection, while two variants of another design, known as GK-37 and GK-45, simply consisted of two guns back to back, firing apparently identical cartridges (presumably the balancing one fired an inert shell!). A drawing exists of a 'Fighter Aircraft B1' armed with a GK-37 behind the two-seat cockpit, angled to fire upwards at about 60 degrees (or downwards at 120!). The second crewman manually reloaded after each shot.

PAGE 159:

Another Soviet weapon in competition with the 23mm VYa was the MP-6, also known as the PTB-23 or Taubin 23, designed by OKB-16. Development started in 1940 and the gun was actually produced from November 1940 but production was cancelled in May 1941 in favour of the VYa. Some prototypes were used in the first Winter War with Finland. The original cartridge was similar to the 23x152B of the VYa but was beltless; the belted version had to be adopted later to aid gun functioning. Originally the gun was designed for magazine feed, with an 81-round magazine consisting of nine rounds in each of nine rows; a belt-fed version was developed later. The MP-6 was tested in a Messerschmitt Bf-110 (!), a LaGG-3 (engine-mounted) and in an Il-2 for comparison with the VYa. The gun suffered reliability problems and the recoil was too severe, so it was not adopted. However, the successful NS-37 was designed around the same operating mechanism.

The original cartridge for the NS-37, used in early production versions, was similar in dimensions to that of the Sh-37 but was rimmed. The Sh-37 was magazine-fed (initially 20 rounds, later 40 rounds for the Il-2 installation). It was rejected because of its unreliability, magazine feed, heavy recoil, excessive weight (302 kg in Il-2, compared with 183 kg for the NS-37 in the same mounting), complex construction and a rate of fire only two-thirds that of the NS-37 (170 rpm installed instead of 260). Despite this, the Shpitalny group developed a 45mm version but the air force refused to test it.

The RShR-57 was designed by Rashkov, Shentsov and Rozanov.

An NS-76 automatic aircraft gun was built and reportedly performed well but only one was built as rockets were adopted instead.

PAGE 160, 170 and 180

The RAH-66 Comanche has since been cancelled (and presumably the XM301 with it).

PAGE 164, 226 & 237:

Confusion of the origin of the "Lb" designation for the Rheinmetall-Borsig 204 gun continues. I said before that it was designated "Lb" by the factory after its designer, Heinrich Lübbe. However, it now appears more likely that stands for 'Lafette beweglich', indicating that it was intended for a flexible mounting. It appears that the beltless 20x105 round had already replaced the belted one by the time that the gun was officially adopted into Luftwaffe service as the MG 204.

PAGE 165:

"The Ka-50 won the competition..." The Ka-50 won the first two competitions in 1986 and 1994 and entered service in limited numbers. Later there was a new competition in which night fighting capability was required. This competition was won by the Mi-28 (Against the Ka-52) which now is entering service in limited numbers. But the Ka-52 is also going into service for "special operations".

PAGE 167 (first column, fifth line) should read:

"As on average only about 2 percent of shots fired hit their target," Another source gives an average score of 5%.

PAGE 168:

One source ('Historical Development Summary of Automatic Cannon Caliber Ammunition: 20-30 Millimeter' by Dale Davis of the US Air Force Armament Laboratory) argues that there is a convincing case for believing that from June 1944 onwards the MK 103 Hartkern round had a uranium rather than tungsten core.

PAGE 174:

The manually-loaded 37mm gun used in Japanese aircraft was the Type 98 tank gun, not the Type 94; it fired a 37x165R cartridge (the same as the one used in the Type 94 anti-tank gun).

A photo of the 37mm Ho-203 in the nose of a Ki-45 is HERE

PAGE 174:

The German Bo 105 can't carry the Stinger missile. There was a plan to convert 54 Bo 105VBH (That is the unarmed utility Version) to Bo 105 BSH-1 armed with 4 Stingers. One helicopter was modified and tested in 1989. After the reunion of Germany the Project was cancelled.

PAGE 175:

Japanese obliquely-mounted aircraft guns did not see action until May 1943, about the same time as the first Luftwaffe victory with this type of weapon.

PAGE 179:

The Madsen aircraft cannon tale continues to unfold (this is the fourth amendment to this information).  It now appears that the 20mm version of the cannon was fitted to about a dozen of the 25 Curtis Hawk 75N supplied to Thailand, one gun being installed in a fairing under each wing, but these were removed at some point because of their effect on the aircraft's performance.  It also appears that the Hawks supplied to China were fitted for the cannon, and that perhaps two of them had the 23mm version installed. One report states that both 20mm and 23mm guns were used by Argentina (credible: they were the only user of the 11.35mm Madsen). The aircraft the 23mm was fitted to is not known for certain, but was probably the Hawk 75. It seems that only the 23mm version of the Madsen was belt-fed, the 20mm being drum or magazine fed in all applications.

PAGE 182:

A much more detailed analysis of aircraft gun and ammunition effectiveness can be found here.

PAGE 183:

A study of a theoretical "ideal" WW2 aircraft gun and ammunition combination is here.

PAGE 184:

The .50BMG M3 was found to suffer from unacceptable malfunction and failure rates, leading to its being dropped from the US inventory in the late 1950s. In the Vietnam War, the US Army used a .50 AN-M2, designated M213, as a helicopter door gun. The M296 was a further M2 development for remote firing applications, as used in gunpods and fixed mountings on light helicopters. The GAU-15/A is the modern version of the M2, also for helo use; the GAU-16/A being an improved version of this. The GAU-18/A (formerly known as the M218) is a lightweight variant used on some helos: it fires at only 550 rpm rather than 750-850. More recently, the M3 has been redesigned to improve its reliability, particularly by using high-quality alloys. The M3P is a remote-fired version used by the Avenger Air Defense System and on some UH-60 helos; it fires at 950-1,100 rpm. The M3M is a version for flexible mounting, adopted in 2004 as the GAU-21/A and coming with a soft-mount system which greatly reduces recoil. RoF is 1,100 rpm and a continuous burst of 600 rounds can be fired without damage to the barrel.

PAGE 185:

More details on the development of the South African 30 mm 55c5 revolver cannon have been provided by Gert Rossouw as follows:

"I’ve recently read one of your articles were you mention the Vektor 55c5 and think you may find the following information interesting. I was the chief designer on the project and was responsible for all design and project management during the final phases. As is the case worldwide the pilots of our air force needed a higher rate of fire due to the short time on target. The basic requirement for the upgrade was thus an increase in firing tempo. For obvious reasons the Defa 553 was used as the technology carrier. The design focused on the feeding of the cartridge in three phases. (I believe the same principle was used in the Defa 544) The XDM was designed to eject the links on top of the feed cover but as this would result in changes to the aircraft, the approach was changed and the links were ejected in the same path as the Defa 553. Development went well and a firing rate of 2,200 rpm was achieved on a firing range. However the high rate caused excessive component wear and reduced reliability. Changes were effected to bring the rate down to about 2,000 rpm. Very good reliability and acceptable component life was achieved. Integrating into the aircraft brought some new challenges which all were overcome in the end. During the final acceptance tests performed by our air force the cannon was subjected to a flight envelope of -3 and +7g force with excellent results. An entire week of evaluation was completed without a single stoppage and an in-flight firing rate of 1,900 rpm was measured. Furthermore the new cannon gave the pilots higher accuracy and increased pipper control. Several production cannon were manufactured and integrated into the air force but during the late nineties major changes took place in our defence force resulting in the replacement of the Cheetah aircraft with the SAAB Gripen. With the phasing out of the Cheetah the project was shelved."

PAGE 190:

The 23x115 cartridge for the NS-23 was developed simply by adapting the 14.5x114 anti-tank gun cartridge to take the 23mm projectiles from the VYa. The decision to develop the gun was taken because it was felt that the high velocity of the VYa was not adequate for tank busting anymore, and a lighter and more compact weapon was preferred.

Some notes on Soviet aircraft guns from Max Popenker:

The general transition from 20mm to 23mm in aircraft calibers was based on Stalin’s order of 1947. The general concept was to fire fast from close ranges – therefore new ammunition was designed with moderate ballistics and lower recoil to allow for lighter and faster-firing guns.

N-37: adopted in 1947, was intended for use against US strategic bombers: tests conducted against a Tu-4 bomber (US B29 copy) showed that one hit with a 37mm shell was enough to kill the bomber. It was a short-recoil gun with an adjustable hydraulic recoil buffer, and fired from an open bolt. For the Yak-25 jet fighter a longer-barreled version was made, the N-37L (V0 = 725m/s against 690m/s in standard N-37). Later on it was modified as the NN-37 (Nudelman-Nemenov) for the Yak-27 jet fighter. RoF was increased to 600-700 rds/min.

NR-23: designed by 1948. The initial lifecycle was only 3,000 rounds, later this was doubled. It is estimated that over 80,000 NR-23 were made in the USSR

AM-23: adopted in 1952. Used only in bombers and transport aircraft An-8 and An-12. It had a relatively short barrel (1000mm).

NR-30: designed by 1952, mass-produced since 1954. Recoil operated, with power gases used to resist recoil instead of springs or hydraulic buffers (as with the AM23). Belt feeding was made in two stages – the first on the recoil of the barrel and the other on the early stages of the barrel's return to battery. Extensive use resulted in quick fouling due to powder gases and the gun easily malfunctioned and jammed, if not cleaned often enough. One interesting note – the barrels were chrome-plated not only internally, but externally at the exposed muzzle too, to protect from the hot powder gases of the muzzle blast.

R-23: bomber gun, light and fast and compact to be easily installed in remote controlled turrets. Special rounds with very heavy steel case and powerful charge (about twice when compared to NR23 round) – because of the shortened barrel. Chambering was made in so-called “throw” method – special rammer violently kicked round backwards and into the chamber with only 15mm of travel. This rammer was directly powered by powder gases. Ejection was conducted also using powder gases, fed from barrel directly into chamber, thus blowing the case forward and off the gun. The use of the specialized heavy round resulted in very limited use – only on Tu-22 Blinder bombers in tail turrets (remotely controlled). A rare photo of the gun installation is HERE

GSh-6-23: adopted 1974. belt feed (400-rd box) on Su-24 for ground attack, or drum belt-less 260-rd magazine on Mig-31 (against cruise missiles)

GSh-6-30 (9A621): adopted in 1975 for MiG-27; based on AO-18 naval gun, which was in development since 1963.

GSh-30 (AO-17A, 9A623): based on GSh-23, adopted 1978 for Su-25 attack plane. Main ammo types: OFZ-30 (HE-Frag-I), OFZT-30 (HE-Frag-I-T), BR-30 (AP-HE) and ME-30 (canister antipersonnel with 28 sub-projectiles and dispersion charge).

GSh-301 (TKB-687, 9A4071): development commenced 1976 by KBP, adopted 1983. Short recoil action with hydraulic buffer and water cooling; alternative R/L feed for different mountings (i.e. Mig-29 - R feed, Su-27 L feed). Gun is light but has high recoil impulse that caused internal equipment damage on some Mig-29.

PAGE 191, 240, 241:

It appears that the NR-23 was recoil-operated, not gas as suggested, as it experienced problems in turret installations due to wind pressure affecting the sliding movement of the barrel. It proved necessary to attach steel bracing wires to the barrel to resist the pressure.

The N-37 was developed in three versions. First came the standard N-37. It was found that the muzzle gasses caused engine problems in both the MiG-9 and MiG-15 installations, so a gas deflector/muzzle brake was fitted, leading to the designation N-37D. Later, the N-37L was developed for the Yak-25 with a longer barrel for a higher muzzle velocity of 725 m/s. The mechanism of the N-37L was then altered with pneumatic assistance to speed the forward movement of the breech, resulting in an increase in the rate of fire from 400 to 600-700 rpm; this version was known as the NN-37. It remained in production almost until 1960.

PAGE 192:

News has emerged of two experimental Russian aircraft guns dating from the 1950s or 1960s, both designed by Makarov whose name is now associated with the standard Russian Army pistol. Both guns can be seen HERE: TKB 539 is on the left. The second image HERE is of two unidentified experimental Russian aircraft guns from the same period.

The Makarov TKB 539 was a 30mm 4-chamber revolver cannon, with an unusual action in which the cylinder was allowed to recoil via the gas system action in order to unlock from the barrel, rotate 90 degrees and then relock. Obturation was achieved by inserting the case neck into the barrel for about 25mm. The cylinder was loaded from the front with special cartridges having a reduced-diameter head (a similar arrangement to the R-23). Fired cases were ejected from the front using gas pressure from the next shot. The gun weighed 73 kg (the feed system another 16.8 kg), was 184.5 cm long and fired at 2,000 rpm. The ammunition generated a muzzle velocity of 1,000 m/s.

The Makarov TKB 532 was a 23mm gun using an entirely different mechanism. It is unclear from the description whether the breech was unlocked by recoil or gas, but ejection of the fired case was purely due to blowback (no extractor or ejector fitted) with fresh rounds being catapulted into the breech by a short-stroke spring-loaded rammer. The breech was also unusual, consisting of two sideways-sliding elements like dual sliding doors.

PAGE 193:

The normal magazine load for the A-10A is 1,174 rounds.

More detailed information about the reasons for the failure of the Aden 25 has emerged. The first problem was 'light strikes' on the primer by the firing pin, causing a failure to fire. A percussion ignition system has to work very hard in a revolver cannon as it has only a very small fraction of a second in which to work. (as a matter of interest, the percussion firing mechanism was actuated by the movement of the Front Slide, except for the first round of the burst which used energy stored in a Belville Washer pack. This meant that the incoming Roller had to be entering the Parallel Slot, thus lining the Cylinder up with the Barrel, before firing.)
After much work it appears that this problem was solved, only to be replaced by a more serious one; the ammunition feed. The design of the gunpods intended to fit under the Harrier aircraft required the ammunition belt to be curved more or less on the limit of tolerance. The shape of the round and the design of the link also may have played a part in the feed problems, which proved insoluble.

PAGE 194:

It is reported that the GSh-6-23 has been withdrawn from service in the Su-24 because of an unacceptable level of premature detonations in the barrels. After  two  Su-24 were lost because of shell detonation in 1983, plus some different  problems  with  gun  usage  (system failures and etc., very similar  to the situation with GSh-6-30 and MiG-27, see HERE), usage of the GSh-6-23 was  stopped  by  a decision  of  the Soviet  AF  Command.  But for now all aircraft  in  the Russian  AF are flying with fully operational guns, but without ammunition. 

PAGE 195:

A detailed analysis of modern fighter gun effectiveness is included HERE.

PAGE 197:

The designation 9A624 is an alternative designation for the YakB-12.7 gun, not the mounting.

PAGE 198:

The photo does of course show the Kamov Ka-50, not Kaman!

The 30 x 113 B ammunition used in the M230 is alloy cased and cannot be used in the Aden and DEFA revolver cannon, although the M230 can use Aden and DEFA ammunition.

Variants of the Bushmaster family were tested from a modified MH-60 platform as part of the US Navy's Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System (RAMICS) program. Both 25mm and 30mm versions were tested. The Mk 44 Mod 0 became the choice using the specifically developed Mk 258 Mod 1 APFSDS-T round. The current status is unclear.

CHAPTER 6: THE FUTURE

PAGE 201:

Tubular projectiles are being proposed for future HMGs. These are very light as they consist of  a hollow tube, with carefully shaped internal and external form, and are claimed to combine a high muzzle velocity with good aerodynamics. Test models have been built in the USA in a .65 calibre cartridge case (which appears to be based on the Russian 14.5 x 114 and looks very much like the abortive FN BRG 15.5 x 106). The projectile weighs 36 grams and is fired at 1,520 m/s. Remaining velocity at 2,000 m is claimed to be 313 m/s, with a flight time to that distance of 2.60 seconds (comparative figures for the .50 BMG being 250 m/s and 4.50 seconds). An obvious problem is that a tube projectile can carry no incendiary or HE and the AP performance seems unlikely to be good.

The USA's Wright Laboratory is investigating course-corrected projectiles which are steered by "bending" at a midway pivot point.

There is growing interest in sub-calibre shells for naval use. OTOMelara have developed a "DART" HEFSDS projectile for anti-missile use in their 76mm gun, although the fuzing difficulties created by very high closing speeds must be immense. Italy and the Netherlands are combining to develop the "Vulcano" guided HEFSDS round with a range of 120 km for the 127mm gun, while there are two other projects for unguided projectiles for the USN's existing 127mm guns: the "Barrage" HEFSDS with a range of 74 km, and the ANSR (Autonomous Naval Support Round) which has been tested at 94 km. More details are HERE.

PAGE 203:

Mauser RMK development continues. There are now four electrically-powered models, as follows:

RMK 30/2: 30x230 round, 280g at 1,050 m/s (round 44mm diameter, 500g), 4-chamber revolver, 300 rpm, 95 kg weight, 2.2m long (1.7m bbl)

RMK 30/1: 30x280 round, 280g at 1,350 m/s (round 50mm diameter, 655g), 3-chamber revolver, 300 rpm, 125 kg, 3.0m long (2.4m barrel)

RMK 35/1: 35x300 round, 400g at 1,250 m/s (round 50mm diameter, 900g), 3-chamber revolver, 300 rpm, 152 kg, 3.2m long (2.8m barrel)

RMK 35/2: 35x350 round, 430g at 1,480 m/s (round 63mm diameter, 1170g), single rotating chamber, 200 rpm, 280 kg, 3.5m long (2.8m barrel)

PAGE 204:

Estimates of the benefits of electro-thermal chemical technology include a 25-35% increase in muzzle velocity while maintaining moderate flame temperatures and gas pressures.

PAGE 205:

See THIS article on medium calibre naval guns.

PAGE 206:

The Phalanx Block 1B is designed to use the new MK244 "Enhanced Lethality Cartridge", a new APDS round which has been optimised for the new gun, reportedly by using the penetrator from the 25mm cartridge, which weighs 48% more. Projectile weight is 126g at 1,100 m/s, and the energy advantage over the MK149 is 37% at the muzzle, rising to 47% at long range due to improved ballistic efficiency.

PAGE 207:

General Dynamics proposed a 127mm (5") L/89 Compact Vertical Gun System (CVGS) for the USN. This was intended not only for fitting to existing and new small surface ships, but also to submarines. It was expected to fire at 10 rpm and was stated to have the equivalent firepower of a 24-gun 155mm howitzer battalion (which appears extravagant, given the capabilities of modern land artillery). In the submarine application, the gun and a rotary magazine would have been stored in an SLBM silo and the barrel is extended like a periscope for firing, so the sub can remain at periscope depth.

Since then, the 127mm and 155mm vertical gun concepts have been replaced by the 155mm Advanced Gun System intended to arm the USN's next generation of warships, the DD(X). This has a conventional turreted mounting with a liquid-cooled barrel, and will be capable of sustaining 12 rpm. The gun mounting is expected to weigh 95 tons but the complete installation, with a full 750-round magazine, will be close to 300 tons. It will fire conventional 54 kg artillery projectiles up to 40 km and also a dedicated Long-Range Land Attack Projectile weighing 118 kg, featuring rocket assistance and GPS/INS guidance, out to 180 km.

The chances of success for the Rh 503 now seem remote, as the German army has selected the Mauser MK 30-2 for its next IFV, the Puma. Data and a picture of the 50x330 HE round has become available (see note on page 231, plus photo link).

The development of the CTA continues: see THIS article for the current status of the project. More details of the ammunition are now available.The 40mm cased telescopic round measures (approx) 65 x 255 mm. The APFSDS-T penetrator weighs 550g (flight projectile 320g) and is fired at 1,480 m/s. Penetration of the APFSDS is quoted as 145 mm / 1,500 m (presumably at 90 degrees) , while the GPR-T HE round (with a very blunt, round nose) weighs 1 kg, contains 115 g HE, is fired at 1,000 m/s and features airburst fuzing. The first prototype started testing on a Warrior MICV in Feb 2002, with the second prototype tested in Sept 2003. In June 2004  an order was placed by the MoD for a Warrior equipped with this turret to be delivered in 2006 for evaluation. The weapon is also being offered in an unmanned turret to meet French requirements, and is being developed for naval use. Benefits claimed for the 40 x 255 CTA cartridge include a large propellant capacity for the length (500g, compared with: 50 x 330 Supershot = 500g, 35 x 228 = 360g, 40 mm Super Forty = 260g, and 30 x 173 = 160g). Armour penetration of other APFSDS rounds at 1,500m compared with the 40mm CTA is quoted as follows: 50mm Supershot = 96%; 35mm = 77%; 40mm Super Forty = 70%, 30mm = 60%. The 40mm CTA is claimed to be able to penetrate all AFVs up to the T55 over the frontal arc at 1,500m. The CTA's airburst HE round is also stated to be several times better than the equivalent 30mm round. The CTA Warrior turret (which is fully stabilised to fire on the move) weighs 3,923 kg, is 2.35m wide and 5.29m long (including gun barrel). It has two magazines with a total of 42 rounds (one with 12, one with 30, plus another 78 rounds stowed in racks), plus a 7.62mm Chain Gun. The unmanned turret being developed for the French weighs 1,500kg and contains a 78 round magazine. The manufacturers state that: "By 2006 fully integrated 40mm CTWS turret systems will be available to support all major UK and French LAV platform developments."

Development of the American 40mm Super Forty (the 30 x 173 necked out to 40mm) continues. The 'baseline' cartridge case was 218mm long and fired its APFSDS shot at 1,350 m/s, while the HEAB case was much shorter (around 160-165mm). However, they are working on an 'optimized' common case design for APFSDS and HEAB (High Explosive Air Burst) which is likely to be 190-195mm long. Use of a lightweight sabot is expected to permitting APFSDS velocities of up to 1,450 m/s, with a flight weight of 230g (compared with 156g for the 30mm and 98g for the 25mm). The HEAB shell weighs 725g (with 80g HE filler), compared with 423g for 30mm and 225g for 25mm (24g HE), and has a muzzle velocity of 970 m/s.

In the mid 1990s the Russians developed a 45mm cannon intended to replace the 30mm 2A42 and 2A72 on MICVs.  NNothing has since been heard, and  no further details are available.

PAGE 210:

One of the advantages of the ACSW  (the renamed OCSW) is its much flatter trajectory compared with the 40mm AGLs. At a range of 2000m the 40mm has a mid-range trajectory height of no less than 400m, while the ACSW is about 100m, the 7.62mm 60m and the .50" about 20m. The 25mm takes 8.6 seconds to reach this distance. The ACSW is 123 cm long and has been dubbed the XM307. The ACSW's projectiles will now be used in a shoulder-fired weapon, the XM25 semi-automatic grenade launcher (although with a reduced muzzle velocity and therefore a smaller - but still belted - cartridge case measuring 39 mm in length instead of 59 mm). This is for the time being replacing in the US Army's planning the XM29 OICW, a combined 5.56mm/20mm weapon, which has experienced weight problems. If the XM29 ever does make it into service, the 25mm is likely to replace the 20mm element.

ATK have announced the LW25, a version of the Chain Gun family chambered for the same 25x59B ammunition as the XM307. No further details so far.

PAGE 211:

Both the Boeing and Lockheed-Martin JSF teams did indeed select the BK 27 revolver cannon for their proposals. However, Lockheed Martin handed over the gun integration task for their winning F-35 design to General Dynamics, who instead proposed using the 25 mm GAU-12/U made by....General Dynamics! Their argument that it would be cheaper was accepted (although it seems strange that the extra bulk and weight did not appear to cause concern despite the frantic efforts to get the weight of the overweight plane down). The latest development (mid-2006) is that a unique, four-barrel version of the GAU-12/U has been designed specifically for the F-35: the GAU-22/A. The first model was assembled in January 2006 and commenced testing in February. The gun appears to have a maximum RoF of 2,700 rpm. It will be fitted as an hydraulically powered internal gun to the F-35A (Air Force CTOL model), with a total system weight of 406 lb, and can be carried in a conformal pod in the F-35B (STOVL)  and F-35C (USN) versions, with a weight of 980 lb.

More information has emerged about the 45 mm TKB-700 smoothbore aircraft gun. The round resembles a rocket, with a HEAT warhead. It was 250 mm long and could penetrate armour of up to 200 mm (at a 90 degree angle). The gun firing rate was 1,250 rpm. It was tested on a flexible mount on a Su-25T in the 1980s. These tests were successful, but the TKB-700 was not accepted into service because of the collapse of the USSR. A (rather poor quality) photo of the ammunition is shown HERE, courtesy of Denis Evstafyev.

With respect to the AC-130, both the 40mm Bofors and the 25mm GAU-12/U are being replaced by the 30mm MK44 (Bushmaster II) as their armament is upgraded.
 

APPENDIX 1: ANTI-TANK & MODERN HEAVY RIFLES

PAGE 213:

Soviet experiments did not stop with the powerful 14.5x114 round. During 1942-43 Blum developed an experimental anti-tank rifle around an extremely powerful 14.5x147mm experimental cartridge (based on 23x152B VYa aircraft round case). MV was about 1500 m/s. Tested in 1943, this single shot, rotating bolt monster defeated the 82mm side armour of the PzKfw.VI 'Tiger' at ranges of up to 100 meters.

Another Russian weapon tested in the same period was the 20mm RES single shot AT rifle, which fired APCR ammo; penetration was 70mm/90/100m and 60mm/90/300m. A few RES guns were manufactured in  but there's no information about whether these were ever issued to front line troops.
 

PAGE 214:

There is now some doubt that the Breda 14mm was designed around the Boys cartridge, as a drawing of a separate Breda cartridge of this calibre has been discovered.

PAGE 216:

There is some doubt that the French 13.2/7.92mm cartridge was intended for an anti-tank rifle (it may have been designed for ballistic tests). However, it seems that the Italians did produce such a cartridge for an AT rifle. It also appears that the French did experiment with the 13.2x99 round in a modified Mauser M1918 rifle.

Some interesting new information about the MG/EW 141 in 7.92x94 calibre. It appears that the semi-automatic EW 141 (Einbau Waffe = emplacement gun) replaced the automatic MG 141 (rather than the other way around) before production commenced, presumably because the barrel wear was too severe in automatic fire. The EW 141 had a much heavier barrel, some 108 cm long: this put up the weight to 30.1 kg. Rate of fire was about 100 rpm. It appears that the German Army intended to adopt the EW 141 as a standard weapon for reconnaissance vehicles, but only about 60 were built in 1940-42. Some forty PzKw I Ausf C (VK601) were built, reportedly armed with this gun. Two were issued to the 1st Panzer Div for combat trials in 1943, while the remainder were issued to reserve units (one report indicates that they may have been issued to units during the Normandy campaign). Two other vehicles that commenced development in 1938 also carried it. One was the Pz Kpfw II Ausf G, which had a new suspension of overlapping road wheels, and was armed with an EW 141 and an MG 34. Twelve were produced but apparently none was issued to front-line units - twenty-seven turrets were used as pillboxes. The second vehicle was the Panzerspahwagen RK Ausf A, which was a wheel/tracked recon armoured car designed by Saurer. It also carried an armament of an EW 141 and an MG 34. Fifteen were ordered in 1942 but production was cancelled due to changing requirements.

At least one of the EW 141 guns was fitted with a Gerlich taper-bore barrel, with an initial calibre of 14mm tapering down to 9mm at the muzzle. The cartridge appears to have used the 318 case, necked out to 14mm, and it was designated Patrone 419. Examples of the cartridge survive in the famous Woodin collection in the USA.

The Czech original of the M.SS 41 7.92mm ATR was actually developed in several calibres, including a 7.92x145 round with a two-part case (a steel base with a brass body).

PAGE 217:

There was also the Solothurn S18-500, which used the 20x105B ammunition and was originally ordered by the Netherlands, but this order was replaced by the S18-1000 after only a few had been made.

PAGE 218:

It is not correct to say that the Lahti L39 fired from an open bolt; the bolt remained to the rear when the gun was cocked, but a lever was squeezed to close the bolt just before firing.

Some further information: At 1933 Battle Equipment Department (of Finnish Armed Forces) ordered the design of a 12.7-mm calibre machinegun from VKT (= Valtion Kivaaritehdas = State rifle factory), but a decision to change the calibre to 13.2-mm was made already during the design process. The process resulted in a 13.2-mm heavy machinegun L-34. Only a few prototypes of these machineguns designed by Aimo Lahti were manufactured and only one of them took part to the war (L-35/36 machinegun used as main weapon on the Landsverk armoured car).

More information has emerged about the the 13mm Lahti anti-tank rifle/HMG. Special high-velocity ammunition was developed for this weapon, measuring 13x118B (a beltless 13x113 and a slightly longer 13x120B were also developed experimentally). Projectile weight was 50 grams and muzzle velocity 950 m/s (less than the target 1,000 m/s). Various HMG prototypes were made for anti-tank and AA use with designations L34, L34, L35/6, L37 and L39, with the AT rifles being L38 and probably L39 (a version of the later 20mm gun). It could penetrate 15mm/300m/60 degrees, again less than the 22mm expected. Three of the prototype guns (including an ATR) did see action in the Winter War, but performed badly. This information is from from Jarkko Vihavainen, from an article by Esa Paananen in Ase-lehti magazine vol 6/2003 .More information about the weapons is provided on Jarkko's website HERE.  It is now reported that the 20mm Lahti L39 did see 'test' service in the Winter War, the two existing examples being tried in action, but full service use didn't happen until the Continuation War (from 1941) and in the Lapland War of 1944.

Finnish cartridge cases for 13.2 mm x 118B were made from brass. These cartridge cases were made by "Oy Tikkakoski Ab" (6,300 cartridge cases made between August 1938 - June 1939) and "Oy Sytytin" (at least 500 cartridge cases, which were delivered at June of 1938). In addition 15,000 cartridge cases had been ordered through "Oy Flinkenberg & Co" from D.W.M. in Germany (delivery at June of 1939). All the cartridge cases were delivered to VKT, which had designed at least HE-tracer and AP-bullets for this ammunition at 1936. Both of these bullets had tombac (zinc + copper mix) jackets and had 13.35-mm diameter, 57.8-mm length and boat tail-shape. Hotchkiss-type bullets were also ordered for the ammunition through "Oy Italo-Finlandese" company from "Manufacture de Machines du Haut-Rhin" factory at France in May of 1938. In August of 1938 the bullets were delivered:
- 5,000 pcs 49.5-gram and 63.0-mm long HE tracer-bullets
- 500 pcs 52.0-gram and 63.0-mm long AP-bullets
Diameters of these Hotchkiss type bullet were between 13.45 - 13.47 mm

Also a longer 13.2 mm x 120B cartridge case existed. These were used to load test ammunition at VKT. The shoulder of this cartridge case is more gentle then in 13.2 mm x 118B cartridge cases. Only headstamp marking found from these cartridge cases is "16", some had no headstamp at all. Theory is that these 120-mm long cartridge cases may be the ones made by D.W.M. Finnish made cartridge cases had 8.05-mm diameter Berdan primers. The decision for stopping 13.2-mm calibre antitank rifle projects and going with 20-mm calibre antitank rifle was made early 1939. At 1937 VKT had also made plans for 15.0-mm calibre ammunition (presumably as compromise between 13.2-mm and 20-mm ammunition), but it seems that the project never went beyond planning stage.

PAGE 220:

A more detailed study of the Carl Gustav m/42 recoilless anti tank rifle is here.

PAGE 222, 223, 234 and 253:

The use of large-calibre heavy rifles continues to grow, both for long-range sniping and anti-materiel purposes (in Iraq in 1991 a USMC Recon Team used a .50 Barrett M82A1 firing API ammunition to destroy three BMP-1 IFVs at a range of 1,600m, by firing into the engine compartment). New manually-loaded examples in 12.7x99 (.50 BMG) include the Gueitte bullpup, the Robar .50, the South African Truvelo SR.50, the FN NEMSIS (based on the Hecate II series and with barrels of 700 or 400 mm, the latter with a silencer, and weights of 11-13 kg) and the Barrett M-99 lightweight bullpup (recently adopted by US SOCOM). In Serbia, Zastava offers the Black Arrow in either 12.7x99 or 12.7x108. The semi-automatic Barrett M82A1M has now been type-classified M107 in US Service, while the gas-operated Pauza P-50 (using a system similar to the FN FAL) has been seen with US Special Forces: this is available with 610 or 740 mm barrels and with weights of 10-13.6 kg. The Russians are also using a bullpup design in 12.7x108, the KSVK, developed from the SVN-98. The interesting Steyr 15.2mm  IWS2000 did not achieve commercial success and has been dropped. Moving up in calibre, the Barrett 'Payload Rifle', designated XM109 and developed from the M82A1, is chambered for the ACSW's 25x59B ammunition: it weighs 14 kg with a four-round magazine and is 112 cm long. Photos show a huge suppressor, which presumably helps to keep down the heavy recoil, although suppressors are not as effective with low-velocity ammunition. At the other end of the scale comes the CheyTac Long Range Sniper in a new .408 CheyTac calibre (10.4x77). Another new sniper rifle cartridge is the Steyr-Mannlicher .460 (11.6x90) which uses a shortened .50 BMG case, with yet another being the .416 Barrett, also on the shortened .50 BMG case.

The 1.5 inch silent sniper round was slightly different to that shown, with a case length of 1.32 inches (33.5mm). There has been lots of development of subsonic cartridges for suppressed weapons, as described HERE.

APPENDIX 2 TABLE 1 (cartridge entries - service rounds):

PAGE 223: 13.2x99 loadings available were as follows: ball = 50.75g, AP = 51.15g, tracer = 48.54g, AP-T = 48.87g, incendiary = 43.75g. Muzzle velocities for all loadings are quoted as 810 m/s, except for the incendiary at 820 m/s.

PAGE 226: 20x99R muzzle velocity is normally quoted as lower than this at 750-790 m/s (possibly the higher velocity was achieved in the very long-barrel versions used in engine mountings). Projectile weights varied between 91-99g (one source gives weights as low as 79g, but this is contradicted by others).

PAGE 226: 20x102 should have an (e) added as this is electrically primed

PAGE 226: 20x105B was not used in MG 204: only 20x105 was used in this gun: in addition to the loading given, there was an AP/T of 148g fired at 730m/s, which penetrated 20mm armour at 600m.

PAGE 226: 20x110 USN for Mk 11 and Mk 12 guns should have an (e) added as this was electrically primed

PAGE 226: 20x113 for Lahti L-34 had a projectile weight of 136g, not 156g as stated. The muzzle velocity was 800 m/s, giving a muzzle energy of 43,500 joules.

PAGE 227: Judging by an examination of a primer, the 25 x 184 Oerlikon KBB utilises electrical ignition.

PAGE 227: A new entry - the 25.4mm Vickers. Metric dimensions 25x189, rim diameter 34.8mm, body diameter 34.3mm, Projectiles AP (250 ) and HE (260g), muzzle velocity 914 m/s, muzzle energy 104,000-108,000 J.

PAGE 228: As well as the 25x205R cartridge used in the Bofors M/32, there was a 25x187R used in the M/38 version of the gun. This has a rim diameter of 42mm and a body diameter above the rim of 37mm, like the longer M/32 case.

PAGE 229: 37 x 101SR Sockelflak muzzle velocity was 320 m/s giving a muzzle energy of 24,000 joules

APPENDIX 2 TABLE 2 (miscellaneous military cartridges):

PAGE 231 and 248: 30x280 RMK30. This is the cartridge for the RMK30-1. Currently attention is focused on the lighter RMK30-2, which fires a 30x230 cartridge. Projectile weight for both cartridges is now given as 280g.

PAGE 231: 57x441R. Various different loadings were available for the 6pdr anti-tank gun, which also saw service with two different barrel lengths (giving further velocity options). It now appears that the Molins gun used the longer barrel and the standard 2.86 kg AP shot (rather than APCBC) which produced a muzzle velocity of 890 m/s and a muzzle energy of 1,133K joules. See the article on the Molins Gun for more details.

PAGE 231: 50X330. Data now available on HE loading for this: shell weight 2.1 kg (containing 192 g HE), muzzle velocity 1,040 m/s. A photo of the 35x228 and 50x330 rounds developed for the Rh 503 is HERE (courtesy Harry Zertner).

PAGE 233: The cartridge used in the British 'Red Queen' experimental twin-barrel revolver AA gun measured 42 x 270, with rim and body diameters of 81mm and 82mm respectively. There was an alternative 42 x 251 proposal with the same case diameter. The cartridge for the Oerlikon RK420 series measured 42 x 348, with rim and case diameters of 70mm. Ballistics were a 1.09 kg shell at 1,070 m/s (624,000 joules).

APPENDIX 2 TABLE 3 (gun entries - service weapons):

PAGE 236: China - The data for the 12.7mm Type 77 are: weight of gun body = 21.3 kg, complete gun on AA tripod, without ammo = 56.1 kg, length of gun body 160 cm. Data for the Type 85 are: weight of gun body = 18 kg, complete gun on AA tripod without ammo = 39.5 kg, length of gun body = 180 cm, length of barrel 100 cm.

PAGE 236: France - Hotchkiss 13.2x99: Notes column should include "(IJN Type 93)"

PAGE 237: Lb/MG 204 should be just MG 204, which was only issued chambered for the 20x105 (beltless) round. Further information from a contemporary document gives a weight of only 38kg, length 157cm, barrel 90cm, rate of fire 500 rpm.

PAGE 238: The 13.2mm Breda M31 weight should be 47.5 kg. Its use as a naval AA weapon in submarines and light craft (in which it used a 30-round box magazine) should also be noted. The weight and overall length of the 37mm Breda M39 were 275 kg and 323 cm respectively.

PAGE 239: Weight of the Ho-301 should be 40 kg.

PAGE 240: M1940 naval: it is presumed that the RoF will be the same as the Bofors m/32 from which it was derived, i.e. 160-180 rpm.

PAGE 240: NR-30 operation was recoil-operated, with gas-powered cylinder for recoil absorption and recovery.

PAGE 242: Sweden - Bofors 25mm m/32: rate of fire was 160-180 rpm

PAGE 242: Sweden - Bofors 40mm L70: rate of fire has slipped into the "Notes" column. The weight of the Bofors 40mm L56/60 is 440 kg

PAGE 244: UK - add 25.4mm Vickers. Weight 127 kg, length 259cm, air-cooled, fed by a box magazine and appears to be gas-operated. The only known use was in a twin naval mounting fitted to the Argentinian training cruiser 'La Argentina'

PAGE 244: USA - Browning .50": Cartridge feed should read "belt 110 (cloth or steel link)" for the army/navy guns and "belt" for the aircraft guns

PAGE 245: USA - M85: Cartridge feed should read "belt"

PAGE 245: USA - GAU 4: should have an (e) added as this is electrically primed

PAGE 245: USA - MDHC M242: also known as the "Bushmaster"

PAGE 245: USA - USN 1.1": gun weight (dry) 252 kg, (with cooling etc fluids) 276 kg.

PAGE 246: OTHER NATIONS: should be a reference to the Romanian 30mm A436 (see Russian NN-30 and pages 105/6)

PAGE 247: OTHER NATIONS: The Lahti L-34 weighed 60 kg (magazine feed) or 69 kg (belt feed), without mounting. The barrel was 120 cm long (overall length 169 cm). The gun was fed by a 15-round box, a 30-round drum or a belt, and the rate of fire was 325-360 rpm.

APPENDIX 2 TABLE 4 (gun entries - other heavy automatic weapons):