Difference between revisions of "M3 (20 mm)"

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{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft cannon '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[M3 (Disambiguation)]]''}}
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{{About
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| about = aircraft cannon '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other uses
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| link = M3 (Disambiguation)
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}}
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[[File:Weapon M3 (20 mm) F9F-8.png|thumb|right|x250px|The 20 mm M3 on the [[F9F-8]] nose.]]
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!--''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Make an air or ground vehicles list on which this weapon is installed in our game.''-->
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<!-- ''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.'' -->
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The Army-Navy Model 3, or AN/M3 for short, was a 20mm aircraft-mounted autocannon used by both the US Army Air Forces (later the USAF) and US Navy. The cannon was based off of the British [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.V]], itself a modification of the Swiss Hispano-Suiza [[Hispano 404 (20 mm)|H.S.404]]. Compared to its earlier cousin, the [[AN/M2 (20 mm)|AN/M2]], the AN/M3 had a faster rate of fire and used lubricated, percussion-primed ammunition that was less prone to jamming, which was a major problem on the [[Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.II]]. Lubrication was provided by a pump that dropped semi-fluid lubricating oil (LSA) onto the rounds before firing. The gun had a gas-assisted blowback operation, with recoil being used to load the next round.
 
  
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The US Navy extensively used the AN/M3 on fighters starting in late WW2 and until the 1950s, when they were replaced by more modern cannons and air-to-air missiles. The cannon was mounted, usually 2 to a wing, on planes such as the [[F4U-4B]] and later versions of the Corsair, the Grumman [[F8F-1B]] Bearcat, and the [[F9F-5|F9F Panther]] jet fighter.
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The '''20 mm M3''' is a 20 mm American aircraft-mounted autocannon.
  
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
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<!--''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.''-->
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<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
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{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}
 
{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}
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{{Navigation-First-Line|Fighters}}[[F4U-4B]]{{-}}[[F4U-4B VMF-214]]{{-}}[[F4U-7]]{{-}}[[F8F-1B]]{{-}}[[F8F-1B (France)|▄F8F-1B]]
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{{Navigation-Line|Twin-engine fighters}}[[F7F-1]]{{-}}[[F7F-3]]
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{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Fighters'''}}{{Specs-Link|f4u-4b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f4u-4b_vmf_214}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f4u-7}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f8f1b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f8f1b_france}}
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{{Navigation-Line|Jet fighters}}[[F2H-2]]{{-}}[[F3D-1]]{{-}}[[F9F-2]]{{-}}[[F9F-5]]{{-}}[[F9F-8]]
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{{Navigation-Line|Attackers}}[[AD-2]]{{-}}[[AD-4]]{{-}}[[AD-4 (France)|▄AD-4]]
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{{Navigation-Line|'''Twin-engine fighters'''}}{{Specs-Link|f7f1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f7f3}}
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{{Navigation-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}{{Specs-Link|f2h-2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f9f-2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f9f-5}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f9f-8}}
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{{Navigation-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}{{Specs-Link|douglas_a_1h}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|douglas_ad_2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|douglas_ad_4}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|douglas_ad_4_france}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|douglas_ad_4na_france}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f4u-6_au-1}}
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{{Navigation-Line| }}{{Specs-Link|f3d_1}}
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{{Navigation-Line|'''Attack helicopters'''}}{{Specs-Link|h_34}}&nbsp;(Suspended)
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{{Navigation-End}}
 
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''
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<!-- ''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.'' -->
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The Army-Navy Model 3, or AN/M3 for short, was used by both the US Army Air Forces (later the USAF) and US Navy. The cannon was based on the British [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.V]], itself a modification of the Swiss Hispano-Suiza [[Hispano 404 (20 mm)|H.S.404]]. Compared to its earlier cousin, the [[AN/M2 (20 mm)|AN/M2]], the AN/M3 had a faster rate of fire and used lubricated, percussion-primed ammunition that was less prone to jamming, which was a major problem on the [[Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.II]]. Lubrication was provided by a pump that dropped semi-fluid lubricating oil (LSA) onto the rounds before firing. The gun had a gas-assisted blowback operation, with recoil being used to load the next round.
 +
 
 +
The US Navy extensively used the AN/M3 on fighters starting in late WW2 and until the 1950s, when they were replaced by more modern cannons and air-to-air missiles. The cannon was mounted, usually 2 to a wing, on planes such as the [[F4U-4B]] and later versions of the Corsair, the Grumman [[F8F-1B]] Bearcat, and the [[F9F-5|F9F Panther]] jet fighter.
  
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=== Available shells ===
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=== Available ammunition ===
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''Describe the shells that are available for the cannon and their features and purpose. If it concerns autocannons or machine guns, write about different ammo belts and what is inside (which types of shells).''
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<!-- ''Describe the shells that are available for the weapon and their features and purpose. If it concerns autocannons or machine guns, write about different ammo belts and what is inside (which types of shells).'' -->
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* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
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* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
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* '''Ground targets:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
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* '''Air targets:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
 +
* '''Stealth:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
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{{:{{PAGENAME}}/Ammunition|AP-T, HEF-I}}
  
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
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<!--''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns, that have firepower equal to these type of weapons.''-->
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<!-- ''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.'' -->
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* [[MG 151/20 (20 mm)|MG 151/20]] - Powerful Minengeschoss shells are superior to AN/M3 ammunition. However, the AN/M3 has faster fire rate and about 30 m/s faster shell velocity, making ranged shots easier. The AN/M3 also has more hitting power and is more consistent than its German cousin.
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* [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.V]]- As the AN/M3 is an American copy of the Hispano Mk V, these two weapons are almost completely identical.Historically, the AN/M3 was more prone to jamming than its British counterpart.
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* [[MG 151/20 (20 mm)|MG 151/20]] - Powerful Minengeschoss shells are superior to AN/M3 ammunition. However, the AN/M3 has a faster rate of fire and better shell ballistics, making ranged shots and leading easier. The AN/M3 also has more hitting power as almost all American aircraft utilizing the AN/M3 have them in groups of 4. It is also more consistent than its German cousin, sparks are very rare. In addition, the AN/M3 cannons are far more accurate (when spaded).
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* [[AN/M2 (20 mm)|AN/M2]]- Superior in every way. The AN/M3 is more reliable and has higher fire rate compared to its older brother.
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* [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.V]]- As the AN/M3 is an American copy of the Hispano Mk V, these two weapons are almost completely identical. Historically, the AN/M3 was more prone to jamming than its British counterpart, though in-game this is not the case and the AN/M3 does more damage, while being more consistent.
 +
* [[AN/M2 (20 mm)|AN/M2]]- Nearly identical characteristics, the only difference being the AN/M3 fires faster at 750 rounds per minute over the AN/M2, firing at 600 rounds per minute.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against the main opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''-->
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<!-- ''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.'' -->
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The high fire rate of this cannon makes it a great choice for engaging almost any enemy fighter or bomber. The only limitation is the pilot's skill and the speed and maneuverability of the plane it is mounted on. The HEF-SAPI (High Explosive Fragmentation - Semi Armor Piercing Incendiary) round can easily rip wings into shreds or set fuel tanks on fire. However, it is important to fire in short bursts, as the high fire rate will drain your ammunition. Though not as prone to jamming as the [[AN/M2 (20 mm)|AN/M2]] before it, the AN/M3 can still jam easily if the New 20mm Cannons modification is not yet unlocked.
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The AN/M3 are good for engaging anything. These cannons come usually in groups of 4, allowing for a high burt-mass destruction. Powerful shells and great ballistics allow the pilot to take long range shots, cripple bombers and disintegrate all fighters in the opposing team. AN/M3s also come with generous ammunition reserves, great for taking down several enemies.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''-->
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
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* HEF-SAPI ammo is great for tearing up wings and other modules
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−
* High fire rate
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* Powerful cannon, a few shells are enough to cripple or disintegrate an enemy fighter
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* Often 4 cannons are present on the aircraft, providing massive amounts of firepower
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* Do not jam quickly, even when stock
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* Stealth rounds have lots of HEI, HEF, and HEF-SAPI ammo, with the lack of tracers makes it hard for enemies to evade shots
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* High rate of fire
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* Often very generous amount of ammunition, as common on US aircraft
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* Often 4 cannons are present on the aircraft, providing massive firepower
 +
* Stealth rounds have lots of HEF-I ammo, with the lack of tracers makes it hard for enemies to evade shots
 +
* Often very generous amount of ammunition
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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* ''Air Targets'' belt has no tracers (Air RB), making aiming hard
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* Prone to jamming, especially when stock
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* Incredibly inaccurate when stock, shell spread is very noticeable
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* Tendency to "spark" and deal minimal damage, especially when hitting fuselages
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* Increased fire rate compared to its counterparts may deplete ammo reserves far faster
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* ''Default'' belts are far inferior to the ''Air Targets'' and ''Stealth'' belts
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of this weapon. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''
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''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article would be a video guide, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
 
* ''reference to the article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
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* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''-->
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* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.'' -->
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* [[AN/M2 (20 mm)|AN/M2]]
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* [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.V]]
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* [[AN/M2 (20 mm)|20 mm AN/M2]]
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* [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)|20 mm Hispano Mk.V]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on weapon;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
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* ''other literature.''-->
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* [[wikipedia:Hispano-Suiza_HS.404|Wikipedia - Hispano-Suiza HS.404]]
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* [[wikipedia:Hispano-Suiza_HS.404|[Wikipedia] Hispano-Suiza HS.404]]
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* [http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_20mm_mk16.php NavWeaps - 20 mm Mark 16]
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* [http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_20mm_mk16.php <nowiki>[NavWeaps]</nowiki> 20 mm Mark 16]
  
 
{{USA aircraft cannons}}
 
{{USA aircraft cannons}}
 +
{{France aircraft cannons}}
  
 
[[Category:Aircraft cannons]]
 
[[Category:Aircraft cannons]]

Latest revision as of 14:11, 7 July 2023

This page is about the aircraft cannon M3 (20 mm). For other uses, see M3 (Disambiguation).
The 20 mm M3 on the F9F-8 nose.

Description

The 20 mm M3 is a 20 mm American aircraft-mounted autocannon.

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

Vehicles equipped with this weapon
Fighters  F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 · F4U-7 · F8F-1B · ▄F8F-1B
Twin-engine fighters  F7F-1 · F7F-3
Jet fighters  F2H-2 · F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8
Strike aircraft  A-1H · AD-2 · AD-4 · ▄AD-4 · ▄AD-4NA · AU-1
  F3D-1
Attack helicopters  H-34 (Suspended)

General info

The Army-Navy Model 3, or AN/M3 for short, was used by both the US Army Air Forces (later the USAF) and US Navy. The cannon was based on the British Hispano Mk.V, itself a modification of the Swiss Hispano-Suiza H.S.404. Compared to its earlier cousin, the AN/M2, the AN/M3 had a faster rate of fire and used lubricated, percussion-primed ammunition that was less prone to jamming, which was a major problem on the Hispano Mk.II. Lubrication was provided by a pump that dropped semi-fluid lubricating oil (LSA) onto the rounds before firing. The gun had a gas-assisted blowback operation, with recoil being used to load the next round.

The US Navy extensively used the AN/M3 on fighters starting in late WW2 and until the 1950s, when they were replaced by more modern cannons and air-to-air missiles. The cannon was mounted, usually 2 to a wing, on planes such as the F4U-4B and later versions of the Corsair, the Grumman F8F-1B Bearcat, and the F9F Panther jet fighter.

Available ammunition

  • Default: HEF-I · AP-T
  • Universal: AP-T · AP-T · HEF-I · HEF-I
  • Ground targets: AP-T · AP-T · AP-T · HEF-I
  • Air targets: HEF-I · HEF-I · HEF-I · AP-T
  • Stealth: HEF-I · HEF-I · HEF-I

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
AP-T 36 33 23 15 9 6
HEF-I 5 4 3 2 2 2
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
AP-T 832 0.13 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HEF-I 832 0.13 0.2 0.1 12.41 79° 80° 81°

Comparison with analogues

  • MG 151/20 - Powerful Minengeschoss shells are superior to AN/M3 ammunition. However, the AN/M3 has a faster rate of fire and better shell ballistics, making ranged shots and leading easier. The AN/M3 also has more hitting power as almost all American aircraft utilizing the AN/M3 have them in groups of 4. It is also more consistent than its German cousin, sparks are very rare. In addition, the AN/M3 cannons are far more accurate (when spaded).
  • Hispano Mk.V- As the AN/M3 is an American copy of the Hispano Mk V, these two weapons are almost completely identical. Historically, the AN/M3 was more prone to jamming than its British counterpart, though in-game this is not the case and the AN/M3 does more damage, while being more consistent.
  • AN/M2- Nearly identical characteristics, the only difference being the AN/M3 fires faster at 750 rounds per minute over the AN/M2, firing at 600 rounds per minute.

Usage in battles

The AN/M3 are good for engaging anything. These cannons come usually in groups of 4, allowing for a high burt-mass destruction. Powerful shells and great ballistics allow the pilot to take long range shots, cripple bombers and disintegrate all fighters in the opposing team. AN/M3s also come with generous ammunition reserves, great for taking down several enemies.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful cannon, a few shells are enough to cripple or disintegrate an enemy fighter
  • Do not jam quickly, even when stock
  • High rate of fire
  • Often 4 cannons are present on the aircraft, providing massive firepower
  • Stealth rounds have lots of HEF-I ammo, with the lack of tracers makes it hard for enemies to evade shots
  • Often very generous amount of ammunition

Cons:

  • Incredibly inaccurate when stock, shell spread is very noticeable
  • Increased fire rate compared to its counterparts may deplete ammo reserves far faster

History

Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

External links


USA aircraft cannons
20 mm  AN/M2 · Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 0 · Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 · FMC T-160
  M3 · M24A1 · M39 · M39A1 · M39A2 · M39A3 · M61A1 · M195 · M197 · Mk 11 · Mk 11 mod 5 · T31
30 mm  M230E-1 · XM140 · GAU-8/A · GAU-13/A · LR30
37 mm  M4 · M9 · M10
40 mm  M75 · M129
75 mm  M10 · T13E1
  Foreign:
20 mm  Hispano 404 (France) · Hispano Mk.II (Britain) · MG 151 (Germany) · Type 99 Model 1 (Japan)
30 mm  ADEN Mk.4 (Britain)

France aircraft cannons
20 mm  GIAT M.621 · Hispano 404 · Hispano HS.9 · M50
30 mm  DEFA 541 · DEFA 551 · DEFA 552 · DEFA 552A · DEFA 553 · DEFA 554 · GIAT M781
  Foreign:
20 mm  AN/M2 (USA) · Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (USA) · Hispano Mk.II (Britain) · Hispano Mk.V (Britain) · M3 (USA) · M24A1 (USA) · M39A1 (USA) · M61A1 (USA) · MG 151 (Germany) · ShVAK (USSR)
30 mm  ADEN (Britain)
37 mm  M4 (USA) · M10 (USA) · NS-37 (USSR)

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