Bofors 40 mm L/60 gun

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	Weapon: Bofors 40 mm L/60 gun Type: Autocannon Country of Origin: Sweden Year Adopted: 1936 Caliber: 40x311mmR Action: Fully Automatic - Recoil Overall Length (mm): 4500.0 Weight (kg): 2000.00 Effective Range (m): 10180

The Bofors 40 mm L/60 gun was a revolutionary anti-aircraft autocannon developed by the Swedish company Bofors in the 1930s. It was designed to address the need for a versatile, rapid-firing weapon capable of engaging fast-moving aircraft. Using a gas-operated mechanism, the gun achieved a cyclic rate of up to 120 rounds per minute, with a practical rate of 80 to 100 rounds. Its 40x311R ammunition provided a potent combination of range, accuracy, and explosive power. Mounted on both static and mobile platforms, it became highly adaptable, being deployed on naval vessels, trucks, and in fixed emplacements.

The Bofors 40 mm gun entered production in 1936, with initial orders from the Swedish military quickly followed by export contracts. As World War II loomed, the design was licensed to numerous countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. These nations manufactured the gun under their own designations, such as the British QF 40 mm Mark III and the American M1. Over 100,000 units were produced globally during and after the war, cementing the Bofors as one of the most widely used anti-aircraft guns in history. Its straightforward design allowed for ease of maintenance and reliability in harsh battlefield conditions.

The Bofors 40 mm L/60 gained renown during World War II, serving in nearly every theater of combat. Its effectiveness against aircraft and light vehicles made it a staple of Allied forces. Post-war, the gun remained in service with numerous nations, often modernized or paired with radar systems for improved targeting. Its simplicity and performance earned it a reputation as one of the best anti-aircraft guns ever made, with some variants still in use today. The legacy of the Bofors 40 mm gun is evident in its widespread influence on subsequent autocannon designs and its enduring presence in military arsenals worldwide.

Bofors 40 mm L/60 firing