Difference between revisions of "Ho-203 (37 mm)"

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[[File:Ho-203 cannon.jpg|thumb|x250px|A Ho-203 Cannon on display. This was the mainstay cannon of the IJA's Ki-45 heavy fighter weaponry. It was also tested in Schrage Musik Style cannons on modified Ki-46's.]]
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
[[File:Ho-203 cannon.jpg|thumb|A Ho-203 Cannon on display. This was the mainstay cannon of the IJA's Ki-45 heavy fighter weaponry. It was also tested in Schrage Musik Style cannons on modified Ki-46's.]]
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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.'' -->
The Ho-203 37mm is a Japanese, early rank cannon found on a handful of twin engine fighters, namely some Ki-45s and the Ki-96. It is a fast firing, high damage cannon that has the ability to one-shot many heavily armed planes. It is always paired with two fast firing [[Ho-5 (20 mm)|20mm Ho-5 cannons]] that allow you to preserve ammo by alternating which guns you use. They typically have a low ammo count, but have a much higher fire rate than other 37mm cannons, meaning trigger discipline is of the utmost importance. The low BR in which this cannon is found is a blessing in disguise, because your opposition is generally moving at very low speeds, allowing you proper time to lead your shots.
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The Ho-203 37 mm is a Japanese, early-rank cannon found on the [[Ki-45 (Family)]] of twin-engine fighters. It is a fast-firing, high-damage cannon that has the ability to one-shot many heavily armed planes. It is always paired with two fast-firing [[Ho-5 (20 mm)|20 mm Ho-5 cannons]] that allow you to preserve ammo by alternating which guns you use. They typically have a low ammo count but have a much higher fire rate than other 37 mm cannons, meaning trigger discipline is of the utmost importance. The low BR in which this cannon is found is a blessing in disguise because your opposition is generally moving at very low speeds, allowing you proper time to lead your shots.
  
 
The main downsides of the cannon are its low muzzle velocity and its inability to carry AP ammo. This severely limits its effectiveness in Ground RB, because you will be unable to get through any armor with this cannon. The low muzzle velocity makes it difficult to target small, nimble fighters.
 
The main downsides of the cannon are its low muzzle velocity and its inability to carry AP ammo. This severely limits its effectiveness in Ground RB, because you will be unable to get through any armor with this cannon. The low muzzle velocity makes it difficult to target small, nimble fighters.
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== General info ==
 
== General info ==
The cannon is a very fast firing cannon in terms of its caliber, but it is still nothing compared to the fire rate of 20mm cannons. It shines in the bomber-interception role, where it can be used to target large bombers. It usually takes a single hit to cripple a bomber or destroy it.
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<!-- ''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.'' -->
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The cannon is a very fast-firing cannon in terms of its caliber, but it is still nothing compared to the fire rate of 20 mm cannons. It shines in the bomber-interception role, where it can be used to target large bombers. It usually takes a single hit to cripple a bomber or destroy it.
  
 
=== Available ammunition ===
 
=== Available ammunition ===
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{{:{{PAGENAME}}/Ammunition|HEFI-T}}
 
{{:{{PAGENAME}}/Ammunition|HEFI-T}}
  
=== Comparison with various 37mm cannons: ===
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=== Comparison with analogues ===
The cannon is regarded as one of the fastest firing 37mms when compared with other nations. However, it has a lower muzzle velocity and no access to AP ammo.
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<!-- ''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.'' --->
 +
The cannon is regarded as one of the fastest firing 37 mms when compared with other nations. However, it has a lower muzzle velocity and no access to AP ammo.
  
* [[BK 3.7 (37 mm)|BK 3.7▀]]: Germany's only 37mm cannon is probably the best 37mm cannon of the war. Although it has a lower fire rate, the cannon is deadly accurate, has a ridiculous muzzle velocity, great penetration on AP shells, and much more ammo than its counterparts when mounted in the belly.
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* [[BK 3.7 (37 mm)|BK 3.7]]: Germany's only 37 mm cannon is probably the best 37 mm cannon of the war. Although it has a lower fire rate, the cannon is deadly accurate, has a ridiculous muzzle velocity, great penetration on AP shells, and much more ammo than its counterparts when mounted in the belly.
* [[M4 (37 mm)|M4]]/[[M10 (37 mm)|M10▃]]: America's 37mm found in the [[P-63 (Family)|Kingcobra]]/[[P-39 (Family)|Airacobra]] family of aircraft, as well as a few others. It has very poor accuracy, and only half the fire rate of the Ho-203. It suffers from poor belt selection, and its AP rounds do not have much penetrating power. Its ammo count is what gives it a slight advantage when compared to the Ho-203
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* [[M4 (37 mm)|M4]]/[[M10 (37 mm)|M10]]: America's 37 mm found in the [[P-63 (Family)|Kingcobra]]/[[P-39 (Family)|Airacobra]] family of aircraft, as well as a few others. It has very poor accuracy and only half the fire rate of the Ho-203. It suffers from poor belt selection, and its AP rounds do not have much penetrating power. Its ammo count is what gives it a slight advantage when compared to the Ho-203
* [[NS-37 (37 mm)|NS-37▂]]: There are many high caliber Russian guns, but the variant that sees the same foes as the Ho-203 is the infamous NS-37. It has almost as fast of a fire rate as the Ho-203. It has very strong AP rounds as well, making it a really good pick for Ground RB. The only complaint pilots have is the inaccuracy of the gun and its tendency to jam incredibly quickly.
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* [[NS-37 (37 mm)|NS-37]]: There are many high-caliber Russian guns, but the variant that sees the same foes as the Ho-203 is the infamous NS-37. It has almost as fast of a fire rate as the Ho-203. It has very strong AP rounds as well, making it a really good pick for Ground RB. The only complaint pilots have is the inaccuracy of the gun and its tendency to jam incredibly quickly.
* [[Breda Model 39 37/54 (37 mm)|Breda Model 39 37/54 (37 mm)▄]]: The Italian 37mm has better velocity than the Ho-203, access to somewhat mediocre AP rounds, and a good ammo count. However, the rate of fire is absolutely abysmal. Found on some Italian Attackers, it suits a role different than the Ho-203.
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* [[Breda Model 39 37/54 (37 mm)|Breda Model 39 37/54]]: The Italian 37 mm has better velocity than the Ho-203, access to somewhat mediocre AP rounds, and a good ammo count. However, the rate of fire is absolutely abysmal. Found on some Italian Attackers, it suits a role different than the Ho-203.
* [[Ho-204 (37 mm)|Ho-204▅]]: Essentially an upgraded Ho-203. It boasts more than double the ammunition count, 40% more explosive filler, a faster muzzle velocity, an even faster fire rate, more accuracy, and less tendency to jam. It is only found on the elusive [[Ki-108 Kai]], but it is a very solid interceptor cannon.
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* [[Ho-204 (37 mm)|Ho-204]]: Essentially an upgraded Ho-203. It boasts more than double the ammunition count, 40% more explosive filler, a faster muzzle velocity, an even faster fire rate, more accuracy, and less tendency to jam. It is only found on the elusive [[Ki-108 Kai]], but it is a very solid interceptor cannon.
* [[Type 94 (37 mm)|Type-94▅]]: Currently the only cannon in the game that is used in both a tank and a plane, the Type-94 was the first anti tank cannon that Japan built. It has extremely poor penetration on tanks, a low muzzle velocity, and an obsoletely abysmal rate of fire (it is a tank cannon after all). It has no tracer filler on its HE rounds making leading shots almost impossible, coupled with the fact that it has poor muzzle velocity. The AP rounds have little penetration, however they do have excellent post penetration damage. Currently the cannon is found on the [[Ki-45 otsu]] variant, as well as the [[Ha-Go|Ha]]-[[Ha-Go Commander|Go]] and [[Ro-Go]] series of tanks. It is a very poor choice of aircraft cannon.
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* [[Type 94 (37 mm)|Type 94]]: Currently the only cannon in the game that is used in both a tank and a plane, the Type-94 was the first anti-tank cannon that Japan built. It has extremely poor penetration on tanks, a low muzzle velocity, and an obsoletely abysmal rate of fire (it is a tank cannon after all). It has no tracer filler on its HE rounds making leading shots almost impossible, coupled with the fact that it has poor muzzle velocity. The AP rounds have little penetration, however, they do have excellent post-penetration damage. Currently, the cannon is found on the [[Ki-45 otsu]] variant, as well as the [[Ha-Go|Ha]]-[[Ha-Go Commander|Go]] and [[Ro-Go]] series of tanks. It is a very poor choice of aircraft cannon.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
Boasting an incredible fire rate and good explosive filler, the Ho-203 cannon shines in hitting large, slow targets like bombers. It is usually a one hit kill, and requires skill to lead your shots due to its low muzzle velocity. It is found on interceptor aircraft, and is mounted in the nose of most planes, making it easier to hit the designated target.
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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.'' -->
 +
Boasting an incredible fire rate and good explosive filler, the Ho-203 cannon shines in hitting large, slow targets like bombers. It is usually a one-hit kill and requires skill to lead your shots due to its low muzzle velocity. It is found on interceptor aircraft and is mounted in the nose of most planes, making it easier to hit the designated target.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 +
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.'' -->
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Very fast fire rate for a 37mm cannon
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* Very fast fire rate for a 37 mm cannon
 
* Good explosive filler
 
* Good explosive filler
 
* Mounted in the nose
 
* Mounted in the nose
 
* Will not jam quickly when upgraded
 
* Will not jam quickly when upgraded
 
* Fairly accurate
 
* Fairly accurate
 
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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* No access to AP rounds
 
* No access to AP rounds
 
* Very limited ammo
 
* Very limited ammo
 
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== 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: <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>.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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>.'' -->
The story of the Ho-203 begins in World War I with the French ''Canon d'Infanterie de 37 modèle 1916 TRP'' which was designed as a man portable weapon for destroying machine gun nests. After the war ended, Japan began licensing multiple designs from France including the Modéle 1916 TRP which became the [[Type 11 pattern 1922 (37 mm)]] Infantry Support Gun, which has a vertically sliding breech block and steel tube frame that replaces the original wheeled carriage. The Ho-203 is a variant of the Type 11 adapted for a long recoil action enabling automatic fire at a rate of 120 rounds per minute at a muzzle velocity of 1,900f/s (570m/s) and an effective range of 3,000 feet (900 meters). The Ho-203 is fed with a 15 round drum magazine and mounted as a bomber killer weapon for the [[Ki-45 (Family)|Ki-45-KAI]] and in a [[Schräge Musik]] mount on Ki-46 for use as heavy fighters.
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The story of the Ho-203 begins in World War I with the French ''Canon d'Infanterie de 37 modèle 1916 TRP'' which was designed as a man-portable weapon for destroying machine gun nests. After the war ended, Japan began licensing multiple designs from France including the Modéle 1916 TRP which became the [[Type 11 pattern 1922 (37 mm)]] Infantry Support Gun, which has a vertically sliding breech block and steel tube frame that replaces the original wheeled carriage. The Ho-203 is a variant of the Type 11 adapted for a long recoil action enabling automatic fire at a rate of 120 rounds per minute at a muzzle velocity of 1,900f/s (570m/s) and an effective range of 3,000 feet (900 meters). The Ho-203 is fed with a 15-round drum magazine and mounted as a bomber killer weapon for the [[Ki-45 (Family)|Ki-45-KAI]] and in a [[Schräge Musik]] mount on Ki-46 for use as heavy fighters.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''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;''
 
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''
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== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
''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;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''

Latest revision as of 08:26, 29 December 2023

A Ho-203 Cannon on display. This was the mainstay cannon of the IJA's Ki-45 heavy fighter weaponry. It was also tested in Schrage Musik Style cannons on modified Ki-46's.

Description

The Ho-203 37 mm is a Japanese, early-rank cannon found on the Ki-45 (Family) of twin-engine fighters. It is a fast-firing, high-damage cannon that has the ability to one-shot many heavily armed planes. It is always paired with two fast-firing 20 mm Ho-5 cannons that allow you to preserve ammo by alternating which guns you use. They typically have a low ammo count but have a much higher fire rate than other 37 mm cannons, meaning trigger discipline is of the utmost importance. The low BR in which this cannon is found is a blessing in disguise because your opposition is generally moving at very low speeds, allowing you proper time to lead your shots.

The main downsides of the cannon are its low muzzle velocity and its inability to carry AP ammo. This severely limits its effectiveness in Ground RB, because you will be unable to get through any armor with this cannon. The low muzzle velocity makes it difficult to target small, nimble fighters.

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

General info

The cannon is a very fast-firing cannon in terms of its caliber, but it is still nothing compared to the fire rate of 20 mm cannons. It shines in the bomber-interception role, where it can be used to target large bombers. It usually takes a single hit to cripple a bomber or destroy it.

Available ammunition

  • Default: HEFI-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEFI-T 4 3 3 3 3 3
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEFI-T 610 0.44 0.4 0.3 35 79° 80° 81°

Comparison with analogues

The cannon is regarded as one of the fastest firing 37 mms when compared with other nations. However, it has a lower muzzle velocity and no access to AP ammo.

  • BK 3.7: Germany's only 37 mm cannon is probably the best 37 mm cannon of the war. Although it has a lower fire rate, the cannon is deadly accurate, has a ridiculous muzzle velocity, great penetration on AP shells, and much more ammo than its counterparts when mounted in the belly.
  • M4/M10: America's 37 mm found in the Kingcobra/Airacobra family of aircraft, as well as a few others. It has very poor accuracy and only half the fire rate of the Ho-203. It suffers from poor belt selection, and its AP rounds do not have much penetrating power. Its ammo count is what gives it a slight advantage when compared to the Ho-203
  • NS-37: There are many high-caliber Russian guns, but the variant that sees the same foes as the Ho-203 is the infamous NS-37. It has almost as fast of a fire rate as the Ho-203. It has very strong AP rounds as well, making it a really good pick for Ground RB. The only complaint pilots have is the inaccuracy of the gun and its tendency to jam incredibly quickly.
  • Breda Model 39 37/54: The Italian 37 mm has better velocity than the Ho-203, access to somewhat mediocre AP rounds, and a good ammo count. However, the rate of fire is absolutely abysmal. Found on some Italian Attackers, it suits a role different than the Ho-203.
  • Ho-204: Essentially an upgraded Ho-203. It boasts more than double the ammunition count, 40% more explosive filler, a faster muzzle velocity, an even faster fire rate, more accuracy, and less tendency to jam. It is only found on the elusive Ki-108 Kai, but it is a very solid interceptor cannon.
  • Type 94: Currently the only cannon in the game that is used in both a tank and a plane, the Type-94 was the first anti-tank cannon that Japan built. It has extremely poor penetration on tanks, a low muzzle velocity, and an obsoletely abysmal rate of fire (it is a tank cannon after all). It has no tracer filler on its HE rounds making leading shots almost impossible, coupled with the fact that it has poor muzzle velocity. The AP rounds have little penetration, however, they do have excellent post-penetration damage. Currently, the cannon is found on the Ki-45 otsu variant, as well as the Ha-Go and Ro-Go series of tanks. It is a very poor choice of aircraft cannon.

Usage in battles

Boasting an incredible fire rate and good explosive filler, the Ho-203 cannon shines in hitting large, slow targets like bombers. It is usually a one-hit kill and requires skill to lead your shots due to its low muzzle velocity. It is found on interceptor aircraft and is mounted in the nose of most planes, making it easier to hit the designated target.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very fast fire rate for a 37 mm cannon
  • Good explosive filler
  • Mounted in the nose
  • Will not jam quickly when upgraded
  • Fairly accurate

Cons:

  • Poor muzzle velocity
  • No access to AP rounds
  • Very limited ammo

History

The story of the Ho-203 begins in World War I with the French Canon d'Infanterie de 37 modèle 1916 TRP which was designed as a man-portable weapon for destroying machine gun nests. After the war ended, Japan began licensing multiple designs from France including the Modéle 1916 TRP which became the Type 11 pattern 1922 (37 mm) Infantry Support Gun, which has a vertically sliding breech block and steel tube frame that replaces the original wheeled carriage. The Ho-203 is a variant of the Type 11 adapted for a long recoil action enabling automatic fire at a rate of 120 rounds per minute at a muzzle velocity of 1,900f/s (570m/s) and an effective range of 3,000 feet (900 meters). The Ho-203 is fed with a 15-round drum magazine and mounted as a bomber killer weapon for the Ki-45-KAI and in a Schräge Musik mount on Ki-46 for use as heavy fighters.

Media

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

See also

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;
  • references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Japan aircraft cannons
20 mm  Ho-1 · Ho-3 · Ho-5 · Type 99 Model 1 · Type 99 Model 2
30 mm  Ho-155 · Type 5
37 mm  Ho-203 · Ho-204 · Type 94
40 mm  Ho-301
57 mm  Ho-401
75 mm  Type 88
  Foreign:
20 mm  M39A3 (USA) · M61A1 (USA) · M197 (USA) · MG FF (Germany) · MG FF/M (Germany) · MG 151 (Germany)
30 mm  GAU-13/A (USA) · M230E-1 (USA)

China aircraft cannons
23 mm  Type 23-1 · Type 23-2K · Type 23-3 · Type 23L
30 mm  Type 30-1
  Foreign
20 mm  AN/M2 (USA) · B-20E (USSR) · Hispano 404 (France) · Hispano Mk.II (Britain) · Ho-3 (Japan) · Ho-5 (Japan)
  M39A1 (USA) · M39A2 (USA) · M39A3 (USA) · M61A1 (USA) · M197 (USA) · ShVAK (USSR) · Type 99 Model 1 (Japan)
23 mm  NR-23 (USSR) · NS-23 (USSR) · NS-23K (USSR)
30 mm  GAU-13/A (USA)
37 mm  Ho-203 (Japan) · N-37D (USSR)