Mauser BK-27.

Mauser BK-27.

MLG 27 remote controlled revolver cannon onboard an Elbe class tender of the German Navy.

MLG 27 onboard a Berlin class replenishment ship of the German Navy

The BK 27 (also BK27 or BK-27) (German acronym for "Bordkanone", translation: on-board cannon) is a 27 mm autocannon manufactured by Mauser (a subsidy of Rheinmetall) of Germany. 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 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 JAS 39 Gripen, and the Eurofighter Typhoon. At one time the USAF hoped to license its production for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, but those plans have been cancelled in favour of the GAU-22/A.

Recently Rheinmetall developed also modified, remote controlled naval versions, the MN 27 GS and the MLG 27 fully automatic naval guns, applied on many ships of the German Navy. 99 MLGs 27 have been ordered by the German Navy so far.

[edit] Specifications

• Type: single-barrel revolver cannon
• Caliber: 27 mm x 145 (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)

[edit] External links

• Airforce Technology page on the BK 27