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30mm Shipunov 2A42



Overview


2A42

A 30mm 2A42 autocannon mounted in the chin turret of the Mi-28 helicopter.
Source: Allocer - © GNU Attribution - Share Alike license

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Autocannon
Entered service
Late 1970's
Status
In service
Development
1970's
Developer
Soviet Union - KBP Instrument Design Bureau
Production
Late 1970's - present
Producer
Soviet Union - Tulamashzavod
Russia - Tulamashzavod
Bulgaria - Arsenal
India - Indian Ordance Factory
Slovakia - ZTS
Ukraine - Precision Mechanics Plant
Designations
2A42 (GRAU index)
ZTM-2 (Ukrainian production)

Description


Introduction

The 2A42 is a late Cold War era 30mm autocannon of Soviet origin. It was developed somewhere in the 1970's and was selected to arm the new BMP-2. The 2A42 autocannon significantly improved the lethality and combat range of the BMP-2 compared to the BMP-1 with its 73mm low pressure cannon. The 2A42 has also been used on a variety of other platforms and its 30x165mm ammunition is used by various other Soviet autocannon.

Design

The 2A42 is a gas double belt feed gas operated weapon. It is electrically powered and requires external power. The long barrel is rifled and has a double baffle muzzle brake. The rate of fire is selectable to low and high. Due to its significant recoil the strength requirements on the mount are high. There are no variants of the 2A42, although the design of the newer lightweight 2A72 shares some design features.

Firepower

The 2A42 fires the now common 30x165mm round that was specifically developed for this weapon. Several types of ammunition are available. The low rate of fire setting is 200 to 300 rpm and the high setting about 550 to 800 rpm. The effective range is 1.5 km versus armored vehicles. The effective range for the high explosive rounds is about 2 km versus infantry, vehicles and aircraft although it has a slant range of 4 km.

Platforms

The main use of the 2A42 is as main armament of the BMP-2 mechanized infantry combat vehicle. Other vehicles that use the 2A42 are the BMD-2, BMD-3 and BTR-90. The 2A42 is also used on the Mi-28 Havoc and Ka-50 Hokum helicopters, making it one of the most powerful helicopter guns in use.

Details


Facts 2A42
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Autocannon
Caliber
Caliber
30x165mm Soviet
Feed system
Belt fed, twin feed system, selectable feed
Barrel length
2.416 mm
Rifling
16 grooves, 716 mm right hand twist
Muzzle velocity
960 - 970 m/s
Barrel life
6.000 rounds
Operation
Action
Gas operated, electrically powered
Rate of fire
550 - 800 rpm (high setting)
200 - 300 rpm (low setting)
Recoil force
30 to 50 kN
Dimensions
Weight
115 kg overall
38.5 kg barrel only
Length
3.027 m

Media


Systems armed with 2A42


Combat vehicles

BMP-2

The BMP-2 is a mechanized infantry combat vehicle that was produced in large numbers. The BMP-2 was the platform on which the 2A42 was introduced.

BMP-2M

The 2A42 is retained as main armament on the upgraded BMP-2M.

BMD-2

The BMD-2 airborne combat vehicle features a small one man turret with 2A42 autocannon.

BMD-3

The 2A42 serves as the main armament for the BMD-3 airborne MICV.

Combat helicopters

Mil Mi-28

The Mi-28 is armed with a 2A42 autocannon in a large chin mounted turret.

Kamov Ka-52 Alligator

On the Ka-52 the 2A42 is fitted in a ventral mount on the right side of the fuselage.

Kamov Ka-29TB

The Ka-29TB assault helicopter can be fitted with a 2A42. When fitted it feeds from ammunition storage in the passenger area.