| Mauser BK-27 | |
|---|---|
 The Mauser BK-27 | |
| Type | Revolver cannon |
| Place of origin | Germany |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See operators |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Mauser (now Rheinmetall) |
| Designed | 1976 |
| Manufacturer | Mauser (now Rheinmetall) |
| Produced | 1977–present |
| No. built | 3,100~ |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 100 kg (220 lb 7 oz) |
| Length | 2.31 m (7 ft 7 in) |
| Barrel length | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Shell | 27×145 mm |
| Caliber | 27 mm (1.063 in) caliber |
| Barrels | Single barrel |
| Action | five-chamber revolver |
| Rate of fire | 1,000–1,700 rpm (+/− 100 rpm), selectable |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,100 m/s (3,600 ft/s)[1] |
| Maximum firing range | Air targets: 2,500 meters
Surface targets: 4,000 meters High speed naval targets: 2,500 meters |
The BK 27 (also BK27 or BK-27) (German abbreviation for Bordkanone, "on-board cannon") is a 27 mm (1.063 in) caliber revolver cannon manufactured by Mauser (now part of Rheinmetall) of Germany. It was developed in the late 1960s for the MRCA (Multi Role Combat Aircraft) program that ultimately became the Panavia Tornado.[2]
The BK 27 is a gas-operated cannon firing a series of 27×145 mm cartridges with a typical projectile weight of 260 g (9.2 oz), and a total weight for the complete round of 516 g (1.14 lb).[1] Most models use a linked feed system for the ammunition; however, the Eurofighter Typhoon makes use of a specially developed variant of the BK 27 that uses a linkless feed system instead, which is intended to improve reliability.[2]
- ^ a b Ian, V. Hogg; Terry, J. Gander (1998). "Cannon - 20 to 30 mm cannon: 27 x 145 B ammunition (Switzerland)". Jane's Ammunition Handbook. Jane's Information Group. ISBN 9780710617897.