The BIG bang behind Britain's iconic Spitfire & Hurricane, with firearms expert, Jonathan Ferguson

Published on October 25, 2023
Duration: 25:48

This content delves into the Hispano 20mm Cannon, a critical WWII aircraft weapon, detailing its design origins, integration challenges in aircraft like the Spitfire, and technical specifications. It highlights the cannon's immense destructive power compared to smaller caliber machine guns, its unique gas-unlocked blowback operation, and the evolution of its feed systems from problematic drums to more reliable belts. The discussion emphasizes the advanced pneumatic control system required for its operation.

Quick Summary

The Hispano 20mm Cannon, a critical WWII aircraft weapon, was nearly 8 feet long and designed to fire through the engine block of the Hispano-Suiza 12Y. Its 20mm shells delivered significantly higher destructive power than smaller machine guns, despite a lower rate of fire.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Hispano 20mm Cannon
  2. 00:35What is an Auto Cannon?
  3. 01:43Origins & Design: Marc Birkigt
  4. 02:41Spitfire Integration Challenges
  5. 06:56Technical Specs & Firepower
  6. 09:44Drum vs. Belt Feed Systems
  7. 13:07Recoil & Operating Mechanism
  8. 20:01Pneumatic Controls & Firing

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Hispano 20mm Cannon so effective in WWII aircraft?

The Hispano 20mm Cannon offered significantly greater destructive power than smaller machine guns, capable of tearing large holes in enemy aircraft and vehicles. Its 20mm shells packed a much larger punch, compensating for a lower rate of fire.

Why was the Hispano 20mm Cannon so long?

The Hispano-Suiza HS.404's considerable length, nearly 8 feet, was a direct result of its design requirement to fire through the engine block of the Hispano-Suiza 12Y aero engine, a common powerplant at the time.

What were the main challenges integrating the Hispano 20mm Cannon into early Spitfires?

Early Spitfires had thin wings, forcing the cannons to be mounted on their sides, which frequently led to jams. Pilots initially preferred the older .303 machine guns until later Spitfire variants successfully integrated the cannon upright.

How did the Hispano 20mm Cannon operate?

It used a unique gas-unlocked blowback system and a complex pneumatic system for cocking and firing. This required the aircraft's engine to be running, as air pressure was used to release the sear.

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