Oerlikon KBA
| Oerlikon KBA 25 mm | |
|---|---|
Oerlikon KBA 25mm | |
| Type | Autocannon |
| Place of origin | Switzerland |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1973 – present |
| Used by | See operators |
| Production history | |
| Designer | TRW Inc. Oerlikon-Bührle |
| Manufacturer | Oerlikon-Bührle (1973–1989) Oerlikon Contraves AG (1989–1999) Rheinmetall Air Defence AG (1999–2004) Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A (2004–present) |
| No. built | 7,000+ |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 112 kg (247 lb) |
| Length | 2,806 mm (110.5 in) |
| Barrel length | 2,173 mm (85.6 in) |
| Width | 263 mm (10.4 in) |
| Height | 283 mm (11.1 in) |
| Shell | NATO 25×137mm |
| Caliber | 25 mm |
| Rate of fire | Single Shot; Rapid Single Shot: 175 rpm; Burst: 600 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,100 m/s (3,600 ft/s) 1,400 m/s (4,600 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 3,020 m (9,910 ft) |
| Maximum firing range | 5,850 m (19,190 ft) |
| Feed system | Dual Feed |
The Oerlikon KBA is a 25 mm (25×137mm) autocannon which was developed as a close range multipurpose weapon for the mechanised battlefield. It was originally made by Oerlikon (now Rheinmetall AG), and is currently produced in Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A. facilities. It is a positively locked breech, gas and recoil operated cannon with a rotating bolt head and a dual-belt selective feed system taking a 25mm NATO cartridge. The rate of fire in burst mode is up to 600 rounds per minute but it can be adjusted electronically and reduced to single shot or a selectable range from 100 up to 175 rounds per minute.
Due to its firepower, its range of ammunition and its "Instant Ammunition Selection Device" (IASD), which allows the gunner to easily switch between armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds, the KBA cannon can engage lightly armoured vehicles, infantry, anti-tank positions, helicopters, combat aircraft and ships.