20mm Mk16 Autocannon & Mk68 Gun Mount used by RIVER RATS on Brown-Water Navy Gunboats of Vietnam War

Published on March 3, 2024
Duration: 15:55

This video details the history and technical aspects of the 20mm Mk16 Autocannon mounted on the Mk68 Mod 1 Gun Mount, a system developed for the US Navy's Brown-Water operations during the Vietnam War. It explains the weapon's lineage from the US Air Force's M24 aircraft machine gun, the modifications required for naval use, and its operational context. The presentation includes insights into its ammunition, feed mechanisms, and technical manuals.

Quick Summary

The 20mm Mk16 Autocannon, mounted on the Mk68 Mod 1 Gun Mount, was a crucial weapon for the US Navy's Brown-Water operations in Vietnam. It evolved from the USAF's M24 aircraft machine gun, with Navy modifications including a switch to percussion-primed ammunition and a new charging system.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction to Mk16 Autocannon & Mk68 Mount
  2. 00:14Origins as USAF M24 Aircraft Machine Gun
  3. 00:29M24A1 Upgrade and Air Force Service
  4. 01:02Establishment of US Navy Brown-Water Navy
  5. 01:20Challenges with Older Mk V Oerlikon Guns
  6. 02:06Navy Requests 20mm Platform from Air Force
  7. 02:22Transfer of M24A1s to the Navy
  8. 02:27Modifications for Naval Use (Mk16)
  9. 02:55Redesign at Louisville Naval Ordnance Station
  10. 03:10The Mark 68 Mod 1 Mount
  11. 03:36Integration of Systems for Anti-Surface Warfare
  12. 03:41Deployment on Vietnam Gunboats
  13. 03:54Post-Vietnam Service and Phased Out
  14. 04:19Only Known Surviving Example
  15. 05:08Technical Manuals Overview
  16. 06:09Mk16 Gun Specifications
  17. 06:13Rate of Fire and Ammunition Types
  18. 07:17Firing Action and Feed Mechanism (M2 E7/E8)
  19. 08:00M13 Linking Machine
  20. 08:1320x110mm Ammunition Types Used
  21. 09:04Gun Disassembly and Maintenance
  22. 09:28Notable Feature: Cone Flash Hider
  23. 09:46Mk68 Mount Technical Manual
  24. 10:17Mk68 Mount Contents
  25. 11:00Mount Controls: Fire, Safety
  26. 11:30Ammunition Box Arrangement
  27. 12:15Mk68 Mod One Open Base
  28. 12:31Sights: Rear and Front
  29. 12:42Ammunition Feed Shoot Support
  30. 13:00Mount Tray and Shield Arrangement
  31. 13:13Shields Taken from Mk V Oerlikon Mounts
  32. 13:38Mount Carriage and Trunions
  33. 14:03Diagrams: Train and Elevation Circles
  34. 14:38Conclusion and Future Content

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 20mm Mk16 Autocannon and where was it used?

The 20mm Mk16 Autocannon, mounted on the Mk68 Mod 1 Gun Mount, was a key weapon system for the US Navy's Brown-Water Navy during the Vietnam War, deployed on gunboats patrolling inland waterways.

How did the 20mm Mk16 Autocannon originate?

It originated from the US Air Force's M24 aircraft machine gun, which was upgraded to the M24A1 model. The Navy acquired these surplus M24A1s and modified them for naval use, resulting in the Mk16.

What modifications were made to the M24A1 for the Mk16?

Key modifications included changing the firing system from electric prime to percussion prime and developing a new method for charging the autocannon. A new mount, the Mk68 Mod 1, was also designed.

What type of ammunition did the 20mm Mk16 Autocannon use?

The Mk16 Autocannon fired 20x110mm Hispano ammunition. Various types were available, including armor-piercing tracer, incendiary, target practice, and high-explosive incendiary rounds.

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