| 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KBA is a 25 mm (25×137mm) autocannon, developed as a close range multipurpose weapon for the mechanised battlefield, originally made by Oerlikon (now Rheinmetall AG) and currently produced in Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A. facilities.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.
- ^ "Leonardo OTO Melara Oerlikon KBA da 25 x 137 mm". Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum (in Italian). 15 May 2020. Retrieved 2021-12-23.