Oerlikon 20mm cannon

Go Back to Autocannon

	Weapon: Oerlikon 20mm cannon Type: Autocannon Country of Origin: Switzerland Year Adopted: 1939 Overall Length (mm): 1100.0 Overall Length (in): 43.31 Weight (kg): 59.00 Weight (pounds): 130.07

The Oerlikon 20mm cannon, designed in the 1920s and refined during the 1930s by the Swiss Oerlikon Contraves company, is a recoil-operated autocannon renowned for its simplicity and reliability. The weapon uses a blowback mechanism and fires 20x110mm ammunition at a rate of approximately 450 rounds per minute. Its robust and modular design allowed it to be mounted on various platforms, including naval vessels, vehicles, and aircraft, making it highly versatile for different combat scenarios.

During World War II, the Oerlikon 20mm cannon was produced extensively, with millions of units manufactured under license by Allied nations such as the United States and the United Kingdom. It was particularly valued for its role in anti-aircraft defense, where its accuracy and rate of fire made it effective against low-flying aircraft. The cannon was a common sight on Allied warships, often deployed in single or multiple-barrel configurations, providing a critical layer of defense during air raids and kamikaze attacks in the Pacific Theater.

The Oerlikon 20mm cannon achieved significant notoriety for its impact during World War II, becoming a staple in the arsenals of many nations. Post-war, the cannon continued to see widespread use, with modernized versions remaining in service in some countries. Its legacy as a reliable and effective autocannon has cemented its place in military history, influencing the design of subsequent automatic weapons systems and retaining its relevance as a benchmark for small-caliber anti-aircraft weapons.