Difference between revisions of "Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
The Colt-Browning Mk 12 Mod 3 is an advanced derivative of the [[AN/M3 (20 mm)|20 mm AN/M3]] cannon and became the standard cannon found on US Navy aircraft from the mid-1950s. Compared to the AN/M3 it replaced, the Mk 12 boasted a faster rate of fire and higher muzzle velocity, courtesy of the new electrically-primed cartridges designed specifically for the Mk 12.
+
The Colt-Browning Mk 12 Mod 3 is an advanced derivative of the [[AN/M3 (20 mm)|20 mm AN/M3]] cannon and became the standard cannon found on US Navy aircraft from the mid-1950s. Compared to the AN/M3 it replaced, the Mk 12 boasted a faster rate of fire and higher muzzle velocity, courtesy of the new electrically-primed cartridges designed specifically for the Mk 12. While these new cartridges, designated the Mk 100 series by the US Navy, had the same caliber and casing length as the 20x110 mm Hispano-Suiza rounds fired by the earlier AN/M3 cannon, the two types were in no way compatible, owing to the Mk 100 series having different casing dimensions.
 +
 
 +
The Mk 12 Mod 3 and its sibling, the [[Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 0 (20 mm)|Colt-Browning Mk 12 Mod 0]], operate in the same manner - both are pneumatically-charged combination gas blowback weapons firing electrically-primed ammunition at a rate of 1000 rounds per minute - and only differ in a couple of areas, specifically relating to the recoil system and receiver body design. These differences stemmed from the different feeder systems used; the Mk 12 Mod 0 used a Mk 7 pneumatic feeder driven by a 3000 psi nitrogen bottle<ref>Simms, D., & Lee-Frampton, N. (2011). ''Skyhawks: The History of the RNZAF Skyhawk''. Christchurch, New Zealand: WilsonScott.
 +
 
 +
"''The explosion was caused by the inadvertent filling of the gun pneumatic bottle with 3000psi of oxygen instead of nitrogen.''" (p. 82)</ref>, while the Mk 12 Mod 3 used a simpler, albeit heavier, Mk 9 rotary recoil-operated feeder.
  
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
 
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
  
−
* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_early}}
 
 
* {{Specs-Link|f3h-2}}
 
* {{Specs-Link|f3h-2}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|f8u-2}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|f-8e}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|f-8e_fn}}
 
* {{Specs-Link|fj_4b}}
 
* {{Specs-Link|fj_4b}}
 
* {{Specs-Link|fj_4b_agm_12b}}
 
* {{Specs-Link|fj_4b_agm_12b}}
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<!-- ''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.'' -->
 
=== Tactical and technical characteristics ===
 
=== Tactical and technical characteristics ===
 +
 
* Rate of Fire: 996 rounds/min
 
* Rate of Fire: 996 rounds/min
 
* Individual Gun Burst Mass: 1.83 kg/sec
 
* Individual Gun Burst Mass: 1.83 kg/sec
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* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}
 
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}
 +
 
: These are comprised of Mk 106 HEI and Mk 108 AP-T rounds and are the stock belts that come with the cannon.
 
: These are comprised of Mk 106 HEI and Mk 108 AP-T rounds and are the stock belts that come with the cannon.
  
 
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}
 
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}
 +
 
: These general-purpose belts are made up of the same HEI and AP-T rounds as the default belts.
 
: These general-purpose belts are made up of the same HEI and AP-T rounds as the default belts.
  
 
* '''Ground targets:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}
 
* '''Ground targets:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}
 +
 
: Intended to be used against armoured ground targets, these boast a belt made up almost entirely of armour piercing ammunition. It features Mk 106 HEI, Mk 107 AP-I, and Mk 108 AP-T rounds.
 
: Intended to be used against armoured ground targets, these boast a belt made up almost entirely of armour piercing ammunition. It features Mk 106 HEI, Mk 107 AP-I, and Mk 108 AP-T rounds.
  
 
* '''Air targets:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}
 
* '''Air targets:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}
 +
 
: These belts are arranged in much the same way as the Universal belts. However, every fourth round is now a Mk 107 AP-I round.
 
: These belts are arranged in much the same way as the Universal belts. However, every fourth round is now a Mk 107 AP-I round.
  
 
* '''Stealth:''' {{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}
 
* '''Stealth:''' {{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary}}
 +
 
: These belts contain the most HEI rounds of any available for the Mk 12, with Mk 106 HEI and Mk 107 AP-I rounds.
 
: These belts contain the most HEI rounds of any available for the Mk 12, with Mk 106 HEI and Mk 107 AP-I rounds.
  
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|-
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
+
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Default || 33 || 31 || 27 || 24 || 19 || 14
+
| Default || 42 || 39 || 27 || 18 || 11 || 7
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Universal || 33 || 31 || 27 || 24 || 19 || 14
+
| Universal || 42 || 39 || 27 || 18 || 11 || 7
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Ground targets || 36 || 33 || 27 || 24 || 19 || 14
+
| Ground targets || 42 || 39 || 27 || 18 || 11 || 7
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Air targets || 36 || 33 || 27 || 24 || 19 || 14
+
| Air targets || 42 || 39 || 27 || 18 || 11 || 7
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Stealth || 36 || 33 || 27 || 22 || 17 || 14
+
| Stealth || 42 || 39 || 27 || 18 || 11 || 7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Comparison with analogues ===
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
 
<!-- ''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.'' -->
 +
 
;Comparable ammunition:
 
;Comparable ammunition:
 +
 
* [[AN/M3 (20 mm)|AN/M3]] - The predecessor to the Mk 12, and inferior in almost every way. It has a lower rate of fire, lower burst mass, and lower muzzle velocity than the Mk 12 Mod 3.
 
* [[AN/M3 (20 mm)|AN/M3]] - The predecessor to the Mk 12, and inferior in almost every way. It has a lower rate of fire, lower burst mass, and lower muzzle velocity than the Mk 12 Mod 3.
  
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 +
 
* Higher velocity ammunition means less lead is required against manoeuvring targets
 
* Higher velocity ammunition means less lead is required against manoeuvring targets
 
* High rate-of-fire
 
* High rate-of-fire
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'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
* As with other high rate-of-fire cannons, it will quickly deplete its ammunition stores.
 
* As with other high rate-of-fire cannons, it will quickly deplete its ammunition stores.
 
* Limited to fairly short bursts while stock to prevent jamming
 
* Limited to fairly short bursts while stock to prevent jamming
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* ''reference to the article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
 
* ''reference to the article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
 
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 +
* [[Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 0 (20 mm)]]
 
* [[AN/M3 (20 mm)]]
 
* [[AN/M3 (20 mm)]]
 
* [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)]]
 
* [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)]]
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the weapon;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
* [[wikipedia:Colt_Mk_12_cannon|[Wikipedia] Colt Mk 12 cannon]]
 
* [[wikipedia:Colt_Mk_12_cannon|[Wikipedia] Colt Mk 12 cannon]]
 
* [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qadku999lrNkKvifuJ4MzeMlKQ8EBf4G/view?usp=sharing NAVWEPS OP 1866 - 20-mm Aircraft Gun Mark 12 Mods 0, 2, and 3; Description, Operation and Maintenance (PDF - Download required for view!)]
 
* [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qadku999lrNkKvifuJ4MzeMlKQ8EBf4G/view?usp=sharing NAVWEPS OP 1866 - 20-mm Aircraft Gun Mark 12 Mods 0, 2, and 3; Description, Operation and Maintenance (PDF - Download required for view!)]
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** [http://bulletpicker.com/pdf/OP%202215,%20Navy%20Gun%20Type%20Ammunition%20(1972).pdf NAVORD OP 2215 - Navy Gun Type Ammunition (PDF)]
 
** [http://bulletpicker.com/pdf/OP%202215,%20Navy%20Gun%20Type%20Ammunition%20(1972).pdf NAVORD OP 2215 - Navy Gun Type Ammunition (PDF)]
 
** [http://bulletpicker.com/pdf/DST-1160G-514-81-VOL2,%20Small%20Caliber%20ID%20Guide%20(20mm%20to%2040mm).pdf Small-Caliber Ammunition Identification Guide, Volume 2 - 20-mm to 40-mm Cartridges (PDF)]
 
** [http://bulletpicker.com/pdf/DST-1160G-514-81-VOL2,%20Small%20Caliber%20ID%20Guide%20(20mm%20to%2040mm).pdf Small-Caliber Ammunition Identification Guide, Volume 2 - 20-mm to 40-mm Cartridges (PDF)]
 +
 +
=== References ===
 +
<references/>
  
 
{{USA aircraft cannons}}
 
{{USA aircraft cannons}}
 +
{{France aircraft cannons}}
  
 
[[Category:Aircraft cannons]]
 
[[Category:Aircraft cannons]]

Latest revision as of 13:11, 26 June 2022

Description

The Colt-Browning Mk 12 Mod 3 is an advanced derivative of the 20 mm AN/M3 cannon and became the standard cannon found on US Navy aircraft from the mid-1950s. Compared to the AN/M3 it replaced, the Mk 12 boasted a faster rate of fire and higher muzzle velocity, courtesy of the new electrically-primed cartridges designed specifically for the Mk 12. While these new cartridges, designated the Mk 100 series by the US Navy, had the same caliber and casing length as the 20x110 mm Hispano-Suiza rounds fired by the earlier AN/M3 cannon, the two types were in no way compatible, owing to the Mk 100 series having different casing dimensions.

The Mk 12 Mod 3 and its sibling, the Colt-Browning Mk 12 Mod 0, operate in the same manner - both are pneumatically-charged combination gas blowback weapons firing electrically-primed ammunition at a rate of 1000 rounds per minute - and only differ in a couple of areas, specifically relating to the recoil system and receiver body design. These differences stemmed from the different feeder systems used; the Mk 12 Mod 0 used a Mk 7 pneumatic feeder driven by a 3000 psi nitrogen bottle[1], while the Mk 12 Mod 3 used a simpler, albeit heavier, Mk 9 rotary recoil-operated feeder.

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

General info

Tactical and technical characteristics

  • Rate of Fire: 996 rounds/min
  • Individual Gun Burst Mass: 1.83 kg/sec
  • Muzzle Velocity: 1,012 metres/sec
  • Projectile Mass: 110 grams
  • HE-I Filler Mass: 14 grams
  • Tracer Colour: Red

Available ammunition

The Mk 12 cannon fires 20 x 110 mm USN ammunition, which was developed from the 20 x 110 mm Hispano-Suiza ammunition used by the AN/M2 and AN/M3 cannons.

The Mk 12 Mod 3 cannon can be equipped with the following belts:

  • Default: AP-T · HEI · HEI
These are comprised of Mk 106 HEI and Mk 108 AP-T rounds and are the stock belts that come with the cannon.
  • Universal: AP-T · HEI
These general-purpose belts are made up of the same HEI and AP-T rounds as the default belts.
  • Ground targets: AP-T · AP-T · HEI · AP-I
Intended to be used against armoured ground targets, these boast a belt made up almost entirely of armour piercing ammunition. It features Mk 106 HEI, Mk 107 AP-I, and Mk 108 AP-T rounds.
  • Air targets: AP-T · HEI · AP-I · HEI
These belts are arranged in much the same way as the Universal belts. However, every fourth round is now a Mk 107 AP-I round.
  • Stealth: AP-I · HEI · HEI · HEI
These belts contain the most HEI rounds of any available for the Mk 12, with Mk 106 HEI and Mk 107 AP-I rounds.
Penetration statistics
Belt Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Default 42 39 27 18 11 7
Universal 42 39 27 18 11 7
Ground targets 42 39 27 18 11 7
Air targets 42 39 27 18 11 7
Stealth 42 39 27 18 11 7

Comparison with analogues

Comparable ammunition
  • AN/M3 - The predecessor to the Mk 12, and inferior in almost every way. It has a lower rate of fire, lower burst mass, and lower muzzle velocity than the Mk 12 Mod 3.
  • M24A1 - Derived from the AN/M3, this cannon uses electrically primed cartridges instead of the percussively primed cartridges on all other Hispano variants. Much like the AN/M3, it's inferior in every way to the Mk 12 Mod 3.
  • Hispano Mk.V - The forerunner to the AN/M3, and by extension the Mk 12. As with the two above, it has a lower muzzle velocity, lower rate of fire, and lower burst mass than the Mk 12.

All three of the above weapons fire 20 x 110 mm Hispano ammunition, which has a higher projectile mass than the 20 x 110 mm USN used by the Mk 12, so each individual shell impact will do more damage.

  • M39A1 & FMC T-160 - These are the US Air Force equivalent to the Mk 12. They have a higher muzzle velocity, a much higher rate of fire, and a higher burst mass. However, they have an individual projectile mass nearly 10% lower than that of the Mk 12 and rely more on the sheer number of rounds hitting the target than the size of the shell itself.

Usage in battles

The Mk 12 is an excellent general-purpose cannon - the high quantity of AP rounds in the Ground targets belts are ideally suited to taking out lightly armoured vehicles, and a large amount of HE-I rounds in most other belts are easily capable of destroying any opponent. However, the higher rate-of-fire and higher muzzle velocity than the AN/M3 cannons found on the aircraft before it will require some getting used to, particularly when using these cannons against moving targets. Additionally, short bursts are required with a stock cannon but are not a requirement once the New 20 mm cannons modification has been unlocked.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Higher velocity ammunition means less lead is required against manoeuvring targets
  • High rate-of-fire
  • Can fire nearly 400 rounds before jamming when upgraded

Cons:

  • As with other high rate-of-fire cannons, it will quickly deplete its ammunition stores.
  • Limited to fairly short bursts while stock to prevent jamming
  • Inaccurate while stock

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

References

  1. ↑ Simms, D., & Lee-Frampton, N. (2011). Skyhawks: The History of the RNZAF Skyhawk. Christchurch, New Zealand: WilsonScott. "The explosion was caused by the inadvertent filling of the gun pneumatic bottle with 3000psi of oxygen instead of nitrogen." (p. 82)


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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