Nudelman-Suranov NS-37 explained

Is Ranged:yes
Nudelman—Suranov NS-37
Origin:Soviet Union
Type:Autocannon
Service:1943–1945
Used By:Soviet Union
Wars:World War II
Designer:A. E. Nudelman and A. Suranov
Design Date:1941
Manufacturer:Izhmash
Production Date:1942–1945
Number:6833
Cartridge:37×198 mm
Action:short recoil
Rate:240–260 rpm
Velocity:900 m/s (HE, HEI-T), 880 m/s (AP-T)
Weight:170/160 kg (with motor/wing mount)
Length:3.41 m
Part Length:2.3 m
Width:21.5 cm
Height:41.5 cm
Barrels:1
Feed:Belt

The Nudelman-Suranov NS-37 (Russian: Нудельман - Суранов НС-37) was a 37mm aircraft cannon, which replaced the unreliable Shpitalny Sh-37 gun. Large caliber was planned to allow destruction of both ground targets (including armoured ones) and planes (ability to shoot down a bomber with a single hit).

Developed by A. E. Nudelman and A. Suranov from OKB-16 Construction Bureau from 1941, it was tested at the front in 1943 and subsequently ordered into production, which lasted until 1945. It was used on the LaGG-3 and Yak-9T fighter planes (mounted between the vee of the engine, in motornaya pushka mounts) and Il-2 ground attack planes (in underwing pods).

Although the heavy round offered large firepower, the relatively low rate of fire and heavy recoil made hitting targets difficult. While pilots were trained to fire short bursts, on light aircraft only the first shot was truly aimed. Additionally, penetration of medium and heavy tanks' top armour was possible only at high angles (above 40 degrees), which was hard to achieve in battle conditions. For these reasons it was soon replaced in 1946 by the N-37 autocannon, which used a lighter 37×155 mm round.

See also

Weapons of comparable role, performance and era

References

External links

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