Oerlikon KCA
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| Oerlikon KCA | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Automatic cannon |
| Place of origin | Switzerland |
| Service history | |
| Used by | |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Oerlikon Contraves (now Rheinmetall Air Defence) |
| Designed | 1950s - 1960s |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 136 kg (300 lb) |
| Length | 2.69 m (8 ft 10 in) |
| Barrel length | 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) |
| Shell | 30×173 mm |
| Calibre | 30mm |
| Barrels | 1 |
| Action | Four-chamber revolver |
| Rate of fire | 1,350 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,030 m/s (3,400 ft/s) |
The Oerlikon KCA is a Swiss 30 mm (1.2 in) gas-operated single-barrel revolver cannon. This gun lead to the development of several successors.
Use of the KCA
During its development, the Oerlikon KCA was internally known as the 304-Rk. This cannon was developed to be used by aircraft. The development took place in the 1950s and the 1960s, and the production started in the 1970s. [1]
This variant uses 30×173 mm rounds. The KCA round is 50% heavier than the NATO standard 30×113 mm ammunition used on ADEN and DEFA cannon. It can fire up to 1350 rounds per minute at a muzzle velocity of 1030 m/s, with an effective range of 2,500 m (8,200 ft). This variant uses percussion primed rounds.[1]
The weapon began production for the Swedish Air Force in the 1970s. The Oerlikon KCA became the gun of the JA 37 Viggen fighter.[2][3]
It was selected after testing several cannons, including the British ADEN cannon, the American M61 Vulcan, and French DEFA cannon. The KCA was carried, along with 126 rounds of ammunition, in a conformal pod under the fuselage.[4] It was known as the akan m/75 by the Swedish armed forces.[1][5]
The KCA was offered to the US military and was tested against the GAU-8 which became the cannon of the A-10 Warthog. The KCA received the GAU-9/A designation by the US military.[1][6]
Further developments
Oerlikon KCE
The Oerlikon KCE was developed by Rheinmetall Air Defence in Switzerland.
Some of the differences with the KCA include:
- a slower rate of fire with 1,200 rounds per minute (nominal rate), and 200 rounds per minute (single shots)
- equipped with an electromagnetic muzzle programing unit for KETF ammunition:
- a new trigger assembly and a new electric cocking device.
Use of the KCE
The KCE is used with two main systems:[11][12]
- Rheinmetall Sea Snake 30, a CIWS system
- Skyranger 30, a SHORAD system
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