Info: JAAF & JNAF machine guns and cannon

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Robert Hurst
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Info: JAAF & JNAF machine guns and cannon

#1

Post by Robert Hurst » 18 Jul 2003, 15:53

Hi

This post is just a quick reference on the principal machine-guns and cannon fitted to Japanese aircraft during the Pacific War.

Machine-guns and cannon fitted to aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Army.

7.7 mm Type 89 machine-gun

This gas-operated light machine-gun was fitted on flexible mounts on early World War II Japanese aircraft and used flat drum magazines containing 69 rounds.

Calibre: 7.7 mm (0.303 in).
Overall length: 1,080 mm (42.5 in)
Weight: 9 kg (20 lb).
rate of fire: 750 rpm:
Muzzle velocity: 747 m/sec (2,450 ft/sec).
Effective range: 600 m (1,970 ft).

7.7 mm Type 89 Model 2 machine-gun

This derivative of the British Vickers Mk.III machine-gun was one of the standard fixed weapons on Japanese fighter aircraft and used a disintegrating metal link belt.

Calibre: 7.7 mm (0.303 in)
Overall length: 1,029 mm (40.5 in).
Weight: 12 kg (26 lb).
Rate of fire: 900 rpm.
Muzzle velocity: 68 m/sec (2,660 ft/sec).
Effective range: 600 m (1,970 ft).

7.92 mm Type 98 machine-gun

This derivative of the German MG 15 machine-gun was a standard flexible weapon and used saddle drum magazines containing 75 rounds.

Calibre: 7.92 mm (0.312 in).
Overall length: 1,080 mm (42.5 in).
Weight: 7 kg (15.5 lb).
Rate of fire: 1,500 rpm.
Muzzle velocity: 68 m/sec (2,660 ft/sec).
Effective range: 600 m (1,970 ft).

The above data and photos were taken from Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War, by Rene J Francillon.

Regards

Bob.
Attachments
7.92 mm Type 98 flexible MG.jpg
7.92 mm Type 98 machine-gun with magazine and cartridge chute.
7.92 mm Type 98 flexible MG.jpg (8.26 KiB) Viewed 6714 times
7.7 mm Type 89 Model 2 fixed MG.jpg
7.7 mm Type 89 Model 2 machine-gun.
7.7 mm Type 89 Model 2 fixed MG.jpg (5.82 KiB) Viewed 6715 times
7.7 mm Type 89 flexible MG.jpg
7.7 mm Type 89 machine-gun.
7.7 mm Type 89 flexible MG.jpg (9.59 KiB) Viewed 6714 times
Last edited by Robert Hurst on 21 Jul 2003, 15:27, edited 4 times in total.

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#2

Post by Robert Hurst » 18 Jul 2003, 16:25

Hi

12.7 mm Type 1 (Ho-103) machine-gun.

Used both on fixed and flexible mounts, this heavy machine-gun was similar to the US 12.7 mm (0.5) Browning weapon. Disintegrating metal link belt.

Calibre: 12.7 mm (0.5).
Overall length: 1,245 mm (49 in).
Weight: 22 kg (48 lb).
rate of fire: 900 rpm.
Muzzle velocity: 780 m/sec (2,560 ft/sec).
Effective range: 750 m (2,460 ft).

20 Type 97 (Ho-1 and Ho-3) cannon*

This gas-operated weapon was derived from a anti-tank cannon and used saddle-type magazines. The Ho-1 was a flexible weapon with 15 rounds per magazine, and the Ho-3 was a fixed weapon with 50 rounds per magazine.

Calibre: 20 mm (0.79 in).
Overall length: 1,765.3 mm (69.5 in).
Weight: Ho-1 33kg (72 lb); Ho-3 43 kg (95 lb).
rate for fire: 400 rpm.
Muzzle velocity: 820 m/sec (2,690 ft/sec).
Effective range: 900 m (2,950 ft).

20 mm Mauser MG 151/20 cannon

Four hundred of these German weapons were imported and used exclusively on specially modified Kawasaki Ki-61 fighters.

Calibre: 20 mm (0.79 in)
Overall length: 1,765.3 mm (69.5 in).
Weight: 42 kg (92 lb).
Rate of fire: 800 rpm.
Muzzle velocity: 762 m/sec (2,500 ft/sec)>
Effective range: 850 m (2,790 ft).

Text and photos was taken fron Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War, by Rene J Francillon.

Regards

Bob

* No photo available.
Attachments
20 mm MG 151 cannon.jpg
20 mm Mauser MG 151/20 cannon.
20 mm MG 151 cannon.jpg (5.74 KiB) Viewed 6710 times
12.7 mm Type 1 (Ho-103) flexible MG.jpg
12.7 mm Type 1 (Ho-103) machine-gun as used on flexible mount.
12.7 mm Type 1 (Ho-103) flexible MG.jpg (7.24 KiB) Viewed 6704 times
12.7 mm Type 1 (Ho-103) fixed MG.jpg
12.7 mm Type 1 (Ho-103) machine-gun.
12.7 mm Type 1 (Ho-103) fixed MG.jpg (6.68 KiB) Viewed 6706 times
Last edited by Robert Hurst on 21 Jul 2003, 12:12, edited 2 times in total.


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#3

Post by Robert Hurst » 18 Jul 2003, 16:30

Hi

20 mm Type 1 (Ho-5) cannon*

This light-weight cannon, similar in construction to the 12.7 mm Type 1 machine-gun and using disintegrating metal link belts, was one of the best Japanese aircraft weapons.

Calibre: 20 mm (0.79 in).
Overall length: 1,473.2 mm (58 in).
Weight: 26 kg (72 lb).
Rate of fire: 850 rpm.
Muzzle velocity 750 m (2,460 ft/sec).
Effective range: 900 m (2,950 ft).

30 mm Ho-105 cannon*

Used in limited numbers towards the end of the war, this cannon was intended to see much use had the war lasted longer.

Calibre: 30 mm (1.18 in).
Overall length: 2,019.3 mm (79.5 in).
Weight: 44 kg (97 lb).
Rate of fire: 450 rpm
Muzzle velocity: 716.2 m (2,350 ft/sec).
Effective range: 900 m (2,950 ft).

37 mm Type 98 cannon*

Installed in the ventral tunnel of early versions of the Kawasaki Ki-45, this hand-fed cannon was a copy of a French 37 mm field gun.

Calibre: 37 mm (1.46 in).
Overall length: 1,372 mm (54 in).
Weight: 122 kg (269 lb).
Rate of fire: 15 rpm.
Muzzle velocity: 610 m (2,000 ft/sec).
Effective range: 1,000 m (3,280 ft).

37 mm H0-203 cannon

This recoil-operated cannon was fed from a 25-round magazine and was installed on several types of Kawasaki heavy fighters.

Calibre: 37 mm (1.46 in).
Overall length: 1,532 mm (60.3 in).
Weight: 89 kg (196 lb).
Rate of fire: 120 prm.
Muzzle velocity: 576 m (1,890 ft/sec).
Effective range: 900 m (2,950 ft).

40 mm Ho-301 cannon

Installed in the wings of a small number of Nakajima Ki-44-IIc fighters, this weapon was unusual in as much as its ammuntion did not use cartridges. Instead, the propelling charge was contained in a cavity in the rear of the projectile. Twelve exhaust ports in the base plate permitted the expanding gases to escape and drive the projectile forward.

Calibre: 40 mm (1.57 in).
Overall length: 1,486 mm (58.5 in).
Weight: 132 kg (291 lb).
Rate of fire: 450 rpm.
Muzzle velocity: 232 m (760 ft/sec).
Effective range: 150 m (490 ft).

57 mm Ho-401 cannon*

Installed, among others, on the Kawasaki Ki-102b heavy fighter, this type of cannon was still under development at war's end.

Calibre: 57 mm (2.24 in)>
Weight: 160 kg (353 lb).
Rate of fire: 90 rpm.
Muzzle velocity: 518 m (1,700 ft/sec).

* this denotes no photo available.

Text and photos were taken from Japanes Aircraft of the Pacific War, by Rene J Francillon.

Regards

Bob
Attachments
40 mm shell.jpg
40 mm shell used in the Ho-301 cannon.
40 mm shell.jpg (9.94 KiB) Viewed 6658 times
40 mm Ho-301 cannon..jpg
40 mm Ho-301 cannon..jpg (5.56 KiB) Viewed 6660 times
37 mm Ho-203 cannon.jpg
37 mm Ho-203 cannon.jpg (8.21 KiB) Viewed 6661 times
Last edited by Robert Hurst on 21 Jul 2003, 12:17, edited 1 time in total.

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#4

Post by Robert Hurst » 21 Jul 2003, 12:06

Hi

Machine-guns and cannon fitted to aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy.

7.7 mm Type 92 machine-gun

Derived from the British Lewis machine-gun, this flexible weapon used flat drum magazines with a capacity of 47 or 97 rounds.

Calibre: 7.7 mm (0.303 in).
Overall length: 991 mm (39 in).
Weight: 8.4 kg (18.5 lb).
Rate of fire: 600 rpm.
Muzzle velocity: 762 m/sec (2,500 ft/sec).
Effective range: 600 m (1,970 ft).

7.7 mm Type 97 machine-gun

Very similar to the Army's 7.7 mm Type 89 machine-gun, this weapon was the standard fixed machine-gun on Navy fighters.

Calibre: 7.7 mm (0.303 in).
Overall length: 1,041.4 mm (41 in).
Weight: 12 kg (26 lb).
Rate of fire: 1,000 rpm.
Muzzle velocity: 750 m/sec (2,460 ft/sec).
Effective range: 600 m (1,970 ft).

7.92 mm Type 1 machine-gun

This flexible weapon, like the Army's 7.92 mm Type 98 machine-gun, was a derivate of the German MG 15 and was fed from saddle drum magazines housing 75 rounds.

Calibre: 7.92 mm (0.312 in)
Overall length: 1,080 mm (42.5 in).
Weight: 7 kg (15 lb).
Rate of fire: 1,000 rpm.
Muzzle velocity: 789 m/sec (2,590 ft/sec).
Effective range: 600 m (1,970 ft).

The text and photos were taken from Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War, by Rene J Francillon.

Regards

Bob
Attachments
7.92 mm Type 1 MG.jpg
7.92 mm Type 1 MG.jpg (9.83 KiB) Viewed 6631 times
7.7 mm Type 92 flexible MG.jpg
7.7 mm Type 92 flexible MG.jpg (10.45 KiB) Viewed 6640 times
Last edited by Robert Hurst on 21 Jul 2003, 15:28, edited 1 time in total.

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#5

Post by Robert Hurst » 21 Jul 2003, 15:25

Hi

13 mm Type 2 machine-gun*

First belt-fed flexible weapon used on Japanese naval aircraft, this machine-gun was similar to the German MG 131.

Calibre: 13 mm (0.511 in).
Overall length: 1,173.4 mm (46.2 in).
Weight: 17 kg (37.5 lb).
Rate for fire: 900 rpm.
Muzzle velocity: 750 m/sec (2,460 ft/sec).
Effective range: 900 m (2,950 ft).

13.2 mm Type 3 machine-gun*

This belt-fed weapon superseded the 7.7 mm Type 97 machine-gun on Japanese naval fighters, and in particular, was fitted to late versions of the Mitsubishi A6M.

Calibre: 13.2 mm (0.519 in).
Overall length: 1,549,4 mm (61 in).
Weight: 30 kg (66 lb).
Rate of fire: 800 rpm.
Muzzle velocity:789.4 m/sec (2,590 ft/sec).
Effective range: 900 m (2,950 ft).

20 mm Type 99 cannon

Standard aircraft cannon of the Japanese Navy, this weapon was constantly improved throughout the war and appeared in a variety of versions for use on fixed or flexible mounts. Early version used drum magazines, while the later Type 99 Model 2 Mark 4 was belt-fed.

Calibre: 20 mm (0.79 in).
Overall length: 1,334 mm (52.5 in) Model 1 to 1,890 mm (74.4 in) Model 2 Mark 4.
Weight: 23 kg (51 lb) Model 1 to 37.4 kg (82.6 lb) Model 2 Mark 4.
Rate of fire: 490 rpm Model 2 Mark 3 to 750 rpm Model 2 Mark 5.
Muzzle velocity: 600 m/sec (1,970 ft/sec) Model 1 to 759 m/sec (2,490 ft/sec) Model 2 Mark 5.
Effective range: 800 m (2,625 ft) to 1,000 m (3,280 ft).

30 mm Type 5 cannon*

Basically an enlarged version of the 20 mm Type 99 cannon, this weapon -fed from 42-round magazines - was entering service at War's end.

Calibre: 30 mm (1.18 in).
Overall length: 2,096 mm (82.5 in).
Weight: 70 kg (154 lb).
Rate of fire: 400 rpm.
Muzzle velocity:639 m/sec (2,460 ft/sec).
Effective range: 900 m (2,950 ft).

* Denotes no photograph available.

Text and photos were taken from Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War, by Rene J Francillon.

Regards

Bob
Attachments
20 mm Type 99 cannon.jpg
Top: 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 Mark 3 cannon.
Bottom: 20 mm Type Model 2 Mark 3 cannon.
20 mm Type 99 cannon.jpg (7.27 KiB) Viewed 6609 times
20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon.jpg
20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon as used on flexible mounts.
20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon.jpg (8.14 KiB) Viewed 6654 times

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ex-japanese machine cannon?

#6

Post by nuyt » 16 Oct 2005, 15:22

I see this thread only now and I wonder if anyone can ID this gun already described on the first picture on this thread:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/thread-3 ... tic+cannon
It's location is Sumatra late 1940s, it may be ex-Japanese.

Any help apreciated!

Kind regards,
Nuyt
Attachments
automaticcannonMedan47.jpg
automaticcannonMedan47.jpg (155.42 KiB) Viewed 6447 times

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#7

Post by Tony Williams » 21 Oct 2005, 21:31

Francillon's book is a classic, but it was written in the 1960s and more has been learned since then. Some of the gun information is incorrect or incomplete, as is some of the information in the book about which guns were fitted to which aircraft.

For example: the designation "Ho-105" is incorrect, that gun was known as the Ho-155. Also, the 30mm Type 5 was not based on the 20mm Type 99 (which incidentally was an Oerlikon gun) - that was the 30mm Type 2.

You will find more accurate and detailed information and illustrations about Japanese aircraft guns in two books: 'Japanese Aircraft Equipment 1940-45' by Mikesh, and 'Flying Guns – World War 2: Development of Aircraft Guns, Ammunition and Installations 1933-45' by Emmanuel Gustin and myself.

The cannon in the photo above is a curiosity; the barrel casing looks rather like the flexibly-mounted version of the German 20mm MG-FF of WW2 - except that was never belt-fed. I'll do some more research.

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website and discussion forum

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thanks

#8

Post by nuyt » 22 Oct 2005, 21:51

looking forward to that!
Kind regards,
Nuyt

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#9

Post by Tony Williams » 25 Oct 2005, 02:38

I've checked with a friend of mine who is THE guru on Japanese automatic cannon and he does not recognise it.

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tks!

#10

Post by nuyt » 26 Oct 2005, 18:14

thanks Tony!

Nuyt

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#11

Post by Tony Williams » 04 Nov 2005, 03:58

Just to let you know that investigations into that strange cannon continue. In consultation with people more knowledgable than myself, the only conclusion we have come to is that it does not resemble any known cannon, and therefore might be a 'lash-up' of parts from various weapons. Investigations are continuing with Dutch experts (who were responsible for Sumatra at the time).

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nuyt
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home built gun

#12

Post by nuyt » 04 Nov 2005, 09:52

Thanks Tony,

I am thinking too in a local fabrication (not being an expert though), possibly by Indonesian forces late 1945, then captured by the Dutch.

The troops on the picture were either from a Medan based Dutch "war volunteer" battalion or a Dutch conscript battalion is my guess. Judging by their dress code I would say conscripts! There may be publications on those units in Holland and I am looking around for them. On that date they were just holding Medan city for more than a year or so. It was before the big offensive.

On another note: The Dutch NPC bought 23 automatic cannon 37mm 20 calibers in the US in 1940 (docs provided by Leland Ness). No specifications. The weird thing is that 20 cal may be rather short, something like the French WW1 37mm gun (which is slightly similar in shape to the Medan gun hull??). Do you know what kind of gun might have been this 37mm C20 automatic? Some unknown AAC product?

Greetings,
Nuyt

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Re: home built gun

#13

Post by Tony Williams » 04 Nov 2005, 14:27

nuyt wrote:On another note: The Dutch NPC bought 23 automatic cannon 37mm 20 calibers in the US in 1940 (docs provided by Leland Ness). No specifications. The weird thing is that 20 cal may be rather short, something like the French WW1 37mm gun (which is slightly similar in shape to the Medan gun hull??). Do you know what kind of gun might have been this 37mm C20 automatic? Some unknown AAC product?
It sounds like the AAC Model M aircraft gun, which fired a round with an even shorter cartridge case than the standard 1 pdr Pom-Pom. I didn't know that it had found any buyers, though.


TW

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AAC Model M

#14

Post by nuyt » 04 Nov 2005, 22:18

Thanks, that's interesting. Do you know which aircraft used them normally and where, I mean in the wings or below the hull or in turrets? And, do you have a pic or know where I can get one?
Thanks,
Nuyt

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#15

Post by Tony Williams » 05 Nov 2005, 07:21

It was sold for use in a turret, but nothing ever used it AFAIK.

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