Four Fun Facts about the Oerlikon 20mm Antiaircraft Cannon!

Published on April 13, 2017
Duration: 7:00

This guide details the barrel heat management techniques for the Oerlikon 20mm cannon, as explained by Ian McCollum on Forgotten Weapons. It covers monitoring barrel temperature, the limitations of sustained fire, and the procedures for quick barrel changes or water cooling to prevent damage. The information is presented with high authority, drawing on detailed mechanical explanations and historical context.

Quick Summary

The Oerlikon 20mm cannon, a key WWII anti-aircraft weapon, utilized an advanced primer ignition system for rapid fire and reduced recoil. It was globally adopted, downing 32% of Japanese aircraft for the US Navy in WWII. Safety features include inert rounds to clear the barrel, and its barrel has limits on sustained fire, requiring quick changes or cooling.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Oerlikon 20mm Cannon
  2. 00:27Fact 1: Global WWII Usage & Impact
  3. 00:59Fact 2: Mechanical Operation (API)
  4. 01:58Fact 2 (Cont.): Cocking Mechanisms
  5. 04:06Fact 3: Safety Loading Procedures
  6. 05:29Fact 4: Barrel Heat Management

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Oerlikon 20mm cannon effective in WWII?

The Oerlikon 20mm cannon was highly effective, accounting for 32% of Japanese aircraft downed by the US Navy between 1941-1944. Its advanced primer ignition system and rapid fire capability made it a significant threat to aircraft.

How does the Oerlikon 20mm cannon's mechanical operation reduce recoil?

It uses an open-bolt, advanced primer ignition system. The bolt fires while still moving forward, which helps to absorb some of the energy, thereby reducing the felt recoil experienced by the operator.

What safety measures are incorporated into the Oerlikon 20mm cannon's drum magazine?

To prevent accidental detonation of high-explosive rounds from muzzle covers, the 60-round drum is loaded with two inert rounds at the end. These safely clear the barrel before the live HE rounds are fired.

What are the limitations regarding sustained fire with the Oerlikon 20mm cannon's barrel?

The barrel can handle about five rapid drum dumps before serious damage occurs. Firing nine drum dumps consecutively will cause significant damage, necessitating careful heat management or barrel changes.

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