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120mm Bofors M1950



Overview


120mm M1950

A Bofors 120mm M1950 gun turret with three flare rails on each side on a Swedish Halland class destroyer.
Source: Koster - © public domain

Origin
Sweden
Type
Naval gun
Service life
1950 - 2001
Status
Out of service
Development
1944 - 1950
Developer
Sweden - Bofors
Production
1950 - 1960's
Producer
Sweden - Bofors
Number produced
54 turrets produced
Designations
120mm Mk 10 (Dutch service designation)
12 cm automatkanon M/50 (designation by Bofors)
120mm Bofors (popular nickname)
Notable users
Sweden
Netherlands

Description


Introduction

The 120mm M1950 is an early Cold War era naval gun turret of Swedish origin. It was developed during and after World War 2 by Bofors and produced in the 1950's for use on various classes of destroyers. At the time of development the 120mm M1950 was considered the most advanced and complex naval gun system in production. While being too large and complex the UK navy opted for a simpler and lighter 114mm design.

Design

The M1950 is a twin gun mount with two 120mm L/50 cannon side by side. The mount has a pendulum loader and a flick rammer to obtain a high rate of fire. The guns are fully stabilized and directed by radar control, although local control is possible from a cabin on the right side of the turret. After ramming the shell separates from the cartridge to reduce barrel wear. The complex design and high performance comes at the cost of high weight.

Firepower

The M1950 fires 120mm rounds specifically developed for this gun. The only type of ammunition is high explosive and it can be time fuzed for use against aircraft. The combined rate of fire is 42 rpm and the effective range is 19.1 km. Compared to other contemporary naval guns the 120mm M1950 had a very high rate of fire, good range and good accuracy.

Users

The M1950 was employed with two turrets on the two Swedish Halland class destroyers and with three turrets on its two derivatives that were built for Colombia. In the Netherlands the M1950 was used on the four Holland and eight Friesland class destroyers built in the 1950's. All Dutch ships used a M1950 turret on the front and the aft deck. Each of the two Tromp class guided missiles destroyers were fitted with a single turret previously used on the Friesland class. Since the Tromp class was decommissioned in 2001 the M1950 is no longer in use.

Variants


In Swedish service some of the M1950 turrets have three launch rails for rocket flares on each side. Originally the turrets weighed a hefty 65 t. By removing the emergency diesel engine, the fuse setting mechanisms and the local fire control equipment this was reduced to 52 t.

Halland class

A Halland class destroyer with its two M1950 turrets on the front and aft deck.
Source: Koster - © public domain

M1950 on Holland class

The 120mm guns in full elevation on the Friesland of the Dutch Holland class.
Source: Koninklijke Marine - © copyright lies with original owner

Details


Facts M1950
General
Origin
Sweden
Type
Naval gun turret
Ordnance
Type
120mm 50-caliber
Rate of fire
40 to 45 rpm, 42 rpm standard
Range
19.1 km vs surface targets
9 km altitude vs aircraft
Muzzle velocity
825 m/s
Mount
Feed mechanism
Automatic loader
Traverse
-150 to +150° at 25°/s
Elevation
-10 to +85° at 40°/s
Operation
Fire control
Radar controlled, local fire control
Dimensions
Weight
65 t original
52 t lightened

Platforms


Note: incomplete list

Holland class

Dutch class of ASW destroyers fitted with two turrets, one on the bow and one at the stern.

Halland class

Swedish class of surface warfare destroyers. Fitted with two turrets, one on the bow and one at the stern.