BK 27 mm CANNON
TYPE:
27 mm aircraft cannon.
DEVELOPMENT:
The BordKanone 27 (BK 27 mm) cannon was developed by
Mauser-Werke as part of the NAMMO (NATO MRCA
Development and Production Management Organisation)
contract. Development began in 1971 and the cannon's
design is based on Mauser's experience with the MG 213
C in 1944 and with the DEFA family of aircraft cannons.
Particular features of the BK 27 mm is its high muzzle
velocity and the choice of calibre. The BK 27 mm cannon
entered service with the Tornado aircraft in 1979.
More recent applications of the BK 27 mm is a
single
installation in a centreline jettisonable pod for the
Luftwaffe Alpha Jet and a single cannon mounted
internally in the lower port side of the Swedish JAS
39
Gripen.
DESCRIPTION:
The BK 27 mm is a single barrel, fully automatic gas
operated revolver cannon. Featuring optional left or
right hand feed, five cartridge chambers, projectile
guide webs and a wear-free obturation system between
drum and barrel. The cannon has a barrel length of 1.4
m, an overall length of 2.31 m and weighs 100 kg. The
cannon is supported by one front and two rear mounts
in
a cradle assembly, and additional support is given to
the barrel at the muzzle or in the middle. In order to
meet aircraft installation requirements, the recoil
loads are reduced by means of a damping system.
Firing is carried out electrically and the cannon
has
a firing rate of 1700 rds/min, switchable to 1000
rds/min.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Calibre: 27 mm
No of barrels: 1
Length: 2.31 m
Weight: 100 kg
Rate of fire: 1700 rds/min switchable to 1000
(additional rates are possible)
Muzzle velocity: 1025 m/s