The US Navy’s 40mm Bofors AA gun mount from Zimi Models
The Navy’s 40mm Bofors Anti-Aircraft Gun, developed by Bofors in Sweden, was one the most important medium-ground anti-aircraft weapons during World War II. The original 40mm Bofors L/60 model, introduced in 1933, was the 40mm “akan”, or automatickanon, M/32. This anti-aircraft weapon is widely used and known for excellent performance. Bofors’ 40mm antiaircraft gun combines Swedish strength in metalworking and metallurgy to create a barrel that has better ballistic properties. It was possible to increase the firing rate from 40 mm guns up to 130 rounds/minute by improving the cartridge feed system. The Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft gun’s barrel speed and ballistic characteristics were superior to those of other similar guns. The hit rate was three times that of the British anti-aircraft gun, and it was highly manueverable on the battlefield, winning the praise of and subsequent purchase by French Army representatives.
The design of this antiaircraft gun allows for rapid fire and high maneuverability, making it very effective on the battlefield. Projectiles can be high explosive, armor-piercing or training projectiles. This allows for a wide range of threats. Bofors’ 40mm antiaircraft guns had a range maximum of 4,75km and theoretical rates of firing of 80-160 rounds per minute. This was enough power to take out almost any World War II aircraft. These anti-aircraft weapons were widely exported and also produced under license. The Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft gun was copied or improved in other countries, becoming a weapon used by both the Allies and Axis during World War II. The Bofors anti-aircraft 40mm gun was a great contribution to Britain’s war effort in World War II. This is especially true during the Battle for Britain. The Bofors Boys were British anti-air battery armed with this gun, which became the mainstay for the British Army’s short-range defense.