Oerlikon 25 mm Automatic Cannon KBA |
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The Oerlikon KBA 25 mm cannon was developed as a close range weapon for the mechanized battlefield. It permits extremely effective engagement of ground and air targets such as Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Reconnaissance Vehicles (RVs) as well as Infantry and anti-tank positions and helicopters and combat aircraft.
Firepower
Sub-calibre, heavy-metal projectiles with superior anti-tank performance, highly effective HE ammunition and selectable firing modes (ranging from single-round to continuous automatic fire at a rate of 600 rounds/min) provide the Oerlikon KBA 25 mm cannon with excellent firepower and operational flexibility. The high muzzle velocity of all ammunition types ensures a short time of flight, good accuracy and the ability to engage targets at tactical ranges exceeding 1,500 m. The highly advanced design of the double-belt feed system permits immediate changeover from one type ofammunition to another, so that, even with variations in ballistics, a high first-round hit probability is assured.
Availability
The Oerlikon KBA 25 mm cannon is extremely reliable and easy both to operate and maintain. The logistical support and documentation are based on wide experience in the field of a number of NATO Armed Forces. This ensures a high degree of availability.
Safety
The Oerlikon KBA 25mm cannon is based on the proven gasoperated principle. This operating concept complies with all modern safety requirements:
Cook-off safety – because the cartridge chamber is empty in the state of firing readiness and during firing interruptions
Double loading safety – because the next round can only be loaded after firing
Hang fire protection – because the breech block opens only under gas pressure
In addition, the swing-out capability of the dual-belt feed system also guarantees complete protection against inadvertent firing even in a state of full firing readiness. This feature is of particular importance in vehicle armament.
Integration in customer oriented weapon systems
The Oerlikon KBA 25 mm cannon has been designed for integration in various types of mounts such as manned (1 or 2 operators) or remote controlled turrets, air defence gun mounts, and naval mounts. The various types of available ammunition combined with the unique Instant Ammunition Selection Device (IASD) and different selectable firing modes with a rate of fire up to 600 rds/min support any type of operational use.
Ammunition
The Rheinmetall Waffe Munition (RWM) 25 mm ammunition was specifically developed to engage and defeat both ground and air targets. The ammunition complieswith all handling and operational safety requirements according to MIL-STD’s, and was subjected to intensive trials by NATO member countries prior to its introduction and standardization as NATO 25 mm x 137 ammunition. The current 25 mm ammunition family consists of 6 prime war-shot and 2 training rounds:
APFSDS-T, armour-piercing fin stabilized discarding sabot with tracer, for use against armoured ground targets
APDS-T, armour-piercing discarding sabot with tracer, for use against armoured ground targets
FAPDS-T, frangible armour-piercing discarding sabot with tracer, for use against air, ground and urban targets
TPDS-T, target practice discarding sabot with tracer, a short range trainer for the above sub-calibre types
SAPHEI-T, semi-armour-piercing high explosive incendiary with tracer, for use against well protected targets
HEI-T, high explosive incendiary with tracer, for use against lightly protected targets
MP-T, multipurpose with tracer
TP-T, target practice with tracer, for training with the above full calibre types
Ammunition Belt
The 2-piece belt link developed for the 25 mm x 137 ammunition engages in a groove on the cartridge case. This arrangement prevents longitudinal displacement when the belts are transported and assures correct weapon operation. However, the belt can be loaded and unloaded manually without tools. The great flexibility of the belt permits variousweapon installations and excellent packing densities in the ammunition containers. |
Main features |
- High fire power
- High availability
- High degree of functional and handling safety
- Integration capability in customer oriented weapon systems
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