Bofors 40mm gun
The Bofors 40 mm gun, often referred to simply as the Bofors gun, is an anti-aircraft/multi-purpose autocannon designed in the 1930s by the Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors. It was one of the most popular medium-weight anti-aircraft systems during World War II, used by most of the western Allies as well as by the Axis powers.
Production history |
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| Designer | Bofors Defence |
| Designed | 1930 |
| Manufacturer | Bofors Defence (1932–2000) United Defense Industries(2000–2006) BAE Systems AB (2006 onwards) |
| Produced | 1932–present |
Specifications |
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| Weight | L/60: 1,981 kg (4,367 lb)L/70: 5,150 kg (11,350 lb) |
| Crew | dependent on use |
| Shell | Complete round: L/60 40×311mmR (1.57 in) L/70 40×364mmR |
| Calibre | 40 mm L/60–70 (actual length varies from 56–70 calibres, based on model) |
| Carriage | 522 kg (1,151 lb) |
| Elevation | L/60: -5°/+90° (55°/s) L/70: -20°/+80° (57°/s) |
| Traverse | Full 360° L/60: 50°/s L/70: 92°/s |
| Rate of fire | L/60: 120 round/min L/70: 330 round/min |
| Muzzle velocity | L/60: 881 m/s (2,890 ft/s) L/70: 1,021 m/s (3,350 ft/s) |
| Maximum firing range | L/60: 7,160 m (23,490 ft) L/70: 12,500 m (41,000 ft) |
Image courtesy of Australian War Memorial. Cairns, Qld. Unidentified members, probably of the 10th Australian Light Anti Aircraft Battery, standing around a Bofors 40mm Anti Aircraft gun emplacement opposite a row of houses on a street in Cairns. There is camouflage netting on a frame behind the gun emplacement, probably used to cover the gun when it is not in use.
Image courtesy of Australian War Memorial. Jacquinot Bay, New Britain. Nov 1944. A 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun of the 472nd Heavy Anti-aircraft Troop in the Wunung plantation.