Oerlikon KBA

Oerlikon KBA 25 mm
Oerlikon KBA 25mm
TypeAutocannon
Place of originSwitzerland
Service history
In service1973 – present
Used bySee operators
Production history
DesignerTRW Inc.
Oerlikon-Bührle
ManufacturerOerlikon-Bührle (1973–1989)
Oerlikon Contraves AG (1989–1999)
Rheinmetall Air Defence AG (1999–2004)
Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A (2004–present)
No. built7,000+
Specifications
Mass112 kg (247 lb)
Length2,806 mm (110.5 in)
Barrel length2,173 mm (85.6 in)
Width263 mm (10.4 in)
Height283 mm (11.1 in)

ShellNATO 25×137mm
Caliber25 mm
Rate of fireSingle Shot;
Rapid Single Shot: 175 rpm;
Burst: 600 rpm
Muzzle velocity1,100 m/s (3,600 ft/s)
1,400 m/s (4,600 ft/s)
Effective firing range3,020 m (9,910 ft)
Maximum firing range5,850 m (19,190 ft)
Feed systemDual 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KBA is a 25 mm (25×137mm) autocannon, developed as a close range multipurpose weapon for the mechanised battlefield, originally made by Oerlikon (now Rheinmetall AG) and currently produced in Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A. facilities.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 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.[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.

  1. ^ "Leonardo OTO Melara Oerlikon KBA da 25 x 137 mm". Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum (in Italian). 15 May 2020. Retrieved 2021-12-23.