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 (1989–1999) Rheinmetall Air Defence AG (1999–2008) Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A (2008–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: 100 to 200 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KBA is a 25 mm (25×137mm) autocannon, developed as a close range multipurpose weapon for the mechanised battlefield, originally made by Oerlikon (now Rheinmetall AG) and currently produced in Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A. facilities.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 600 rounds per minute but it can be adjusted electronically and reduced to single shot or a selectable range from 100 up to 200 rounds per minute.^[1]

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.