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25mm Oerlikon KBA



Overview


KBA

A 25mm KBA autocannon showing its double belt feed and multislotted muzzle brake.
Source: Oerlikon Contraves AG - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Switzerland
Type
Autocannon
Entered service
Mid 1970's
Status
In service
Development
Early 1970's
Developer
Switzerland - Oerlikon Contraves
Production
Mid 1970's - present
Producer
Switzerland - Oerlikon Contraves

Description


Introduction

The KBA is a 25mm autocannon of Swiss origin. It was developed in the mid 1980's by Oerlikon as a middle ground between the 20mm and 30mm autocannon in existence. The KBA is a relatively limited weight weapon with much increased firepower compared to 20mm weapons. Its size and weight allow for a wide range of applications.

Design

The KBA is a single barrel 25mm autocannon that has some charateristics from the earlier KAB, but functions differently. The KBA is gas operated and has a rotating bolt. The double belt feed allows for instantanious switching between ammunition types. Normally it is solenoid fired but a hand crank or trigger pedal can also be used.

Firepower

The KBA fires the 25x137mm NATO round for which a wide variety of ammunition types have been developed. The modes of fire are semi-automatic and fully automatic at a rate of fire of 600 rpm. The semi-automatic mode allows for very rapid succession shots up to about 200 rpm. The maximum effective range is about 2 km while the slant range for high explosive rounds is 3 km. The armor piercing rounds will penetrate nearly every medium weight fighting vehicle.

Platforms

The KBA is mostly used as vehicle armament for use against infantry and medium armored vehicles. Various turrets can be fitted with a KBA. Examples of vehicles armed with the KBA are the AIFV and Dardo infantry fighting vehicles. A secondary use for the KBA is as an anti-aircraft gun. Power operated single gun mounts are fitted to various ships and four guns are mounted in the SIDAM self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.

Variants


KBA

A 25mm KBA autocannon in an OTO Melara power operated naval gun mount.
Source: OTO Melara - © copyright lies with original owner

Oerlikon KBA

The Oerlikon KBA is a gas operated 25mm autocannon. There is only a single version of the KBA, although there are various mounting brackets depending on application. The KBA is used in various vehicle turrets and on a power operated naval gun mount.

Details


Facts KBA
General
Origin
Switzerland
Type
Autocannon
Caliber
Caliber
25x137mm NATO
Feed system
Double belt feed
Barrel length
2.173 mm
Rifling
18 grooves, progressive twist to 638 mm
Muzzle velocity
1.100 m/s with standard ammunition
1.310 m/s with FAPDS
Operation
Action
Gas operated
Fire selector
0 - 1 - F
Rate of fire
520 - 620 rpm
Up to 200 rpm on single shot mode
Recoil stroke
38 mm
Dimensions
Weight
112 kg overall
37 kg barrel
Length
2.888 mm

Weaponsystems using the KBA


YPR-765 PRI

US / Dutch mechanized infantry combat vehicle armed with KBA.

Dardo

Italian mechanized infantry combat vehicle armed with KBA.

M113 C&R

The Dutch M113 Commando & Verkenning is fitted with a KBA in an overhead weapon system.

Type 87

Japanese wheeled reconnaissance vehicle armed with KBA.

SIDAM 25

Italian self-propelled anti-aircraft gun armed with four 25mm KBA autocannon.

Related articles


25mm Oerlikon KBB

The Oerlikon KBB is a further development of the KBA. It fires a more powerful 25mm round that was specifically developed for this weapon. Unlike the KBA, the KBB proved unsuccessful.

25mm Bushmaster

The Bushmaster I is a chain gun that fires the same 25x137mm ammunition. It is a direct competitor for the KBA for use as vehicle armament.