Hispano-Suiza HS.404

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	Weapon: Hispano-Suiza HS.404 Type: Autocannon Country of Origin: Switzerland Year Adopted: 1938 Caliber: 20x110mm Hispano "A" Action: Gas Operated Fully Automatic Overall Length (mm): 2520.0 Weight (kg): 49.00 Effective Range (m): 1000

The Hispano-Suiza HS.404 was a 20 mm autocannon designed in the 1930s by the Swiss engineer Marc Birkigt, who worked for the Hispano-Suiza company in France. Based on the earlier Swiss Oerlikon cannon, the HS.404 was gas-operated and capable of firing at a rate of 600 rounds per minute. Its design prioritized reliability, simplicity, and ease of integration into aircraft. The cannon was lightweight for its caliber, making it an ideal weapon for mounting in fighters and bombers. It used belt-fed or drum-fed ammunition, depending on the application, and was capable of delivering high-explosive shells with devastating effects.

During World War II, the HS.404 saw widespread production and use across Allied air forces. The United States manufactured a licensed version known as the M1/M2, and the British adapted it for use in their Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane fighters. Production numbers reached tens of thousands as the weapon became a standard armament on various aircraft, including the P-38 Lightning, P-39 Airacobra, and Mosquito. In addition to its aerial applications, the HS.404 was mounted on naval vessels and used in anti-aircraft roles. Its combination of power and rate of fire made it a versatile and effective weapon in multiple theaters of the war.

The Hispano-Suiza HS.404 earned a reputation as one of the most successful 20 mm cannons of World War II. It was praised for its reliability in combat and effectiveness against both aerial and ground targets. The cannon's impact extended beyond the war, as it influenced the development of later aircraft armaments and was adopted by numerous post-war air forces. The HS.404 is remembered not only for its technical achievements but also for its pivotal role in ensuring Allied air superiority during critical stages of the conflict.

Firing the 20mm Hispano (full-auto burst)