The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia: U.S. 37mm M4 gun (original) (raw)
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The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia | |
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| Projectile Type | AP or HE |
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| Velocity | 1824 feet per second (AP)556 m/s (AP) |
| Projectile Weight | 1.66 lbs (AP)0.753 kg (AP) |
| Rate of fire | 140 rounds per minute |
| Weight | 212 lbs96 kg |
| Gun power | 160 |
The 37mm M4 was used on the P-39 Airacobra. It used a long recoil action and was fed from an endless belt of 15 or 30 rounds. Its low muzzle velocity reduced its armor penetration and accuracy, and it had a reputation among U.S.pilots for a tendency to jam. However, the P-39 armed with the M4 was popular with Soviet pilots engaged in ground support missions.
The weapon was also employed, first as a field modification and later as a standard weapon, on U.S. PT boats.
References
The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia © 2009-2010, 2014 by Kent G. Budge. Index
