The BK 27 (also BK27 or BK-27) (Translation: Board Cannon) is a 27 mm autocannon manufactured by Mauser (Currently part of Rheinmetall). 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 revolver 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 Saab Gripen, and the Eurofighter Typhoon. At one time the USAF hoped to license its production for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, but those plans have apparently been cancelled in favour of the GAU-12.
There are also naval versions, the MN 27 GS and the MLG 27 light naval guns.
Specifications
- Type: single-barrel automatic cannon
- Caliber: 27 mm (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)
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