Mauser BK-27
The
BK 27 (also
BK27 or
BK-27) (Translation: Board Cannon) is a 27 mm
autocannon manufactured by
Mauser (currently part of
Rheinmetall). It was developed in the late
1960s for the MRCA (Multi-Role Combat Aircraft) program that ultimately became the
Panavia Tornado.
The BK 27 is a gas-operated
revolver cannon firing a new series of 27x145 mm projectiles with a typical weight of 260 g (9.2 oz). It uses a linked feed system, but a
BK 27 Linkless, with a new linkless feed system intended to improve reliability, has been developed for the
Eurofighter.
The Mauser BK 27 is used in the
Panavia Tornado, the
Alpha Jet, the
Saab Gripen, and the
Eurofighter Typhoon. At one time the
USAF hoped to license its production for the
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, but those plans have apparently been cancelled in favour of the
GAU-12.
There are also naval versions, the
MN 27 GS and the
MLG 27 light naval guns.
*
Type: single-barrel
automatic cannon*
Caliber: 27 mm (1.06 in)
*
Operation:
revolver*
Length: 2.31 m (7 ft 7 in)
*
Weight (complete): 100 kg (220 lb)
*
Rate of fire: 1,700 rpm
*
Muzzle velocity: 1,025 m/s (3,362 ft/s)
*
Projectile weight: 260 g (9.2 oz)
*
manufacturer's page*
Airforce Technology page on the BK 27
