German WW2 Plane Armarment 7,92 - 88 mm and their Ammunition

Here I created an Index of German WW2 Aircraft Armarment and their ammunition. Going from small (7,92mm) to the biggest automatic (88mm) Guns which where used.

(I leave most Üb (practice) out of the list. Generally speaking, with Sd. rounds are used against Air and ground, however when shooting at ground, not above 800m flight height, no Sd. rounds 90% only against ground. Incendary filler and some other info (if available) in the Tap of the round.)

Also make shure to check out my other 2 Posts about AA Guns as well as Tank, Anti Tank and other Guns.


These rounds would also be available to choose from when Custom Belts get added some day.


Visible destinction of ammo types:

Yellow: He and He-I
Blue: Incendary with nose fuze
Black: Ap

Black with a blue band at the shoulder: Ap-I

Black with a yellow band at the shoulder: Aphe

Black with a blue and a yellow band at the shoulder: Aphe-I

Black with a white tip: HVAP/APCR

Light red band above the driving band: Leuchtspur (tracer for day use)

Dark red band above the driving band: Glimmspur (tracer for night use)

Stencil letters on the body of the projectile:

M: Minengeschoss/M-Geschoss → Thin walled with high bursting charge

Ph: Incendary filler is phosphorus

E: Incendary filler is thermite/Elektron

German_armor_piercing_aircraft_shells_color_code
German_explosive_aircraft_shells_color_code


Round nameing nomenclature:

Here i break appart how the names of the rounds come together:

First a short list of what the words are, their short forms and english translation.

M, Minen → High capacity (in this context)

H, Hochgeschwindigkeits → High velocity (but it also sayes that it has an Tungsten core)

Pz, Panzer → Armor/Armorpiercing (in this context)

Br, Brant → Incendary

Spr, Spreng → High explocive

L`Spur, Leucht Spur → Tracer (day)

Gl`Spur, Glimm Spur → Tracer (night)

o.Zerl, ohne Zerleger → non Selfdestruct

m.Zerl, mit Zerleger → Selfdestruct

gr., Granate → Grenade/round (in this context)

gesch., Geschoss → Round

Patr., Patrone → Caseing

These shortforms are put together to descripe the round, but there are some rules:

The pattern is the following: x-xxxxxxxxx. x`Spur x.Zerl

The first letter shows the general Type it ca be an M- or an H- or noting, in wich case it is normal.

Then the next descripe the effect, which have an hirachy:

  1. Pz 2. Br 3. Spr

Another rule is that Br is only in the name when a dedicated incendary material (for example Electron Thermite or Phosphorus), but not if only the He filler has an certain incenday effect like HA 41 or HTA.

Also if it is M- it wont get the Spr addition.

Then comes the gr. or in the case if it is only an M- round without dedicated Pz or Br an Gesch. comes instead of gr.

If the round has an Incenday effect the type is written in ( ) behind gr. if it has an own fuzeing (In Ap rounds), but not if the incenday effect is set free with detonation of the main charge (for example in the 3 cm Pzbrsprgr. L`Spur o.Zerl.)

Next If it has a tracer it is written and which type L or Gl if none then it is simply left out.

After that comes o.Zerl. or m.Zerl., but that is unique to every round, because allmost all rounds (except Ap rounds) have both self destruct and non self destruct fuzes available.

If you are talking about the whole round with caseing an additional Patr. comes after gr./gesch.

Here are some examples, of course the caliber comes infront of the name:

H-Pzgr. L`Spur o.Zerl

M-Pzgr. L`Spur o.Zerl

Pzgr. L`Spur o.Zerl

M-Gesch. o.Zerl

M-Brgr. o.Zerl

Sprgr. Gl`Spur o.Zerl

Pzbrsprgr. L`Spur o.Zerl

Common He filler and their aquivalent:

PENT: x1,7 HTA: x1,2 HA 41: x1,6


7,92mm Mg 15 / 17
Pictures:(Click to show)
Mg 15:(Click to show)

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Mg 17:(Click to show)

Armament of Luftwaffe - MG-17
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I put them together, as they are very similar and ballistically identical. (600mm barrle)

Caliber: 7,92mm

Ammo: 7,92x57mm

Fire Rate: 1000-1050 / 1200 Rpm

Beltfed

Muzzle velocity: 865 - 905 m/s

Weight: 8,1 / 10,2 kg

Ammo Types: Ap, Ap-T, Ap-I and He-I (only noting the -v- ammo with increased velocity)

Cutaway of all:(Click to show)

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Ap:


S.m.K -v- (Ap) 11,55g 865m/s 13mm/10m

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S.m.K. L'Spur -v- (Ap-T) 10g 905m/s 10mm/10m (Also as Gl'Spur for night)

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P.m.K -v- (Ap-I) 10,15g 905m/s 0,5g Phosphor 9mm/10m

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Pz-Gesch. -v- (Panzergeschoss) (Ap) 10g 905m/s 13mm/10m

It was mainly designed of 2 tasks, 1. reduce needed amount of lead and copper as the reserves ran out and 2. to increase penetration after the bullet allready passed through aircraft skin (At 100m in comparission to the S.m.K. -v- through 70° 3mm Dualiminium 8,7mm penetration instead of mere 4mm)


Screenshot 2024-01-05 161020


He:


B-Patr. -v- (He-I) 10,85g 885m/s 0,035g Pent & Blackpower mixture & 0,375g Phosphor

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7,92mm Mg 81 / 81Z
Pictures:(Click to show)
Mg 81:(Click to show)


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Mg 81Z:(Click to show)

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I put them together, as they are just 2x on 1x Triggergroup and ballistically identical. (475mm barrle)

Caliber: 7,92mm

Ammo: 7,92x57mm

Fire Rate: 1800 / 3600 Rpm

Beltfed

Muzzle velocity: 840 - 885 m/s

Weight: 5 / 10 kg

Ammo Types: Ap, Ap-T, Ap-I and He-I (only noteing the -v- ammo with increased velocity)

Cutaway of all:(Click to show)

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Ap:


S.m.K -v- (Ap) 11,55g 850m/s 13mm/10m

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S.m.K. L'Spur -v- (Ap-T) 10g 885m/s 10mm/10m (Also as Gl'Spur for night)

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P.m.K -v- (Ap-I) 10,15g 885m/s 0,5g Phosphor 9mm/10m

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He:


B-Patr. -v- (He-I) 10,85g 840m/s 0,035g Pent & Blackpower mixture & 0,375g Phosphor

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7,92mm Mg 141
Picture:(Click to show)

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Initially designed along the Mg 131 and Mg 151, using the Patrone 318 of the Pzb. 38/39/41 it was to offer superior ballistics and penetration compared to the normal Mgs while taking up less space and weight compared to its bigger brothers. Was discontinued duo to extreme barrle wear with the 900 Rpm as well as ammo cost of the S.m.K.H. while overall not beeing as effective as envisioned.

Instead the EW 141 (Einbauwaffe) was developed from it, to be mounted into tanks (Pz I Ausf. C and R.K.9.) but only in Semi-Automatic to reduce barrle wear.

Caliber: 7,92mm

Ammo: 7,92x94mm

Fire Rate: 900 rpm

Bletfed (from Right)

Muzzle velocity: 1250 - 1450 m/s

Weight: 22,5 kg

Mounting: Do 17 Z-2 (1/Kg 2 Pilot: Georg Kröhl)

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Ammo Types: Ap, Ap-T(c) and Ap(c)

Cutaway and Drawings of ammo:(Click to show)

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S.m.K.H. Rs L'Spur (Ap-T(c)) 14,53g 1250m/s 35mm/10m

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S.m.K.H (Ap(c)) 12,6g 1300m/s 35mm/10m

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Panzergeschoss (Ap) 10,4g 1450m/s 36mm/10m (Gaijins Calculator)

(Full caliber steel round with copper driving band) To reduce needed copper and lead and increase penetration after pasing through 3mm dualiminium aircraft skin at 70° (at 100m still 8,8mm penetration instead of mere 4mm)


Screenshot 2024-01-05 161020


13mm Mg 131
Pictures:(Click to show)

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Caliber: 13mm

Ammo: 13x64mm

Fire Rate: 900

Beltfed

Muzzle velocity: 710 - 750 m/s (-v- ammo to 770m/s latewar)

Weight: 16 kg

Ammo Types: Ap-T, Ap-I, Phe-T/Saphe-T, He-T, HeI-T, I-T (and possibly He-I (m) but did not enter service)


Ap:


Pzgr. L'Spur o.Zerl. (Ap-T) 38g 710m/s 19mm/10m (Also as Gl'Spur for night)

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Pzbrgr. (Ph.) o.Zerl. (Ap-I) 38g 710m/s 0,36g Phosphorus 19mm/10m

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Sprgr. L'Spur Üb. m.Zerl. (Phe-T/Saphe-T) 34g 750m/s 1g Pent (1,7g) Some penetraton

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He:


Sprgr. L'Spur o.Zerl. (He-T) 34g 750m/s 1,17g Pent (1,99g) (Early on replaced by HeI-T)


Brsprgr. L'Spur. o.Zerl. (HeI-T) 34g 750m/s 0,9g Pent & 0,3g Thermite

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Brgr. L'Spur o.Zerl. (I-T) 34g 750m/s 0,2g Pent (0,34g) & Bariumnitrate-Alu-Magnesium Incendary mix

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Late war also a experimental Minengeschoss to replace the HeI-T (i couldnt find the drawing again, but also mentioned at the Brgr. L’Spur in L.Dv.4000/10), but did not enter service.



15mm Mg 151/15
Pictures:(Click to show)

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Caliber: 15mm

Ammo: 15x96mm

Fire Rate: 700-750-800 rpm (Syncronized)

Beltfed

Muzzle velocity: 850-1050 m/s

Weight: 37kg

Ammo Types:


AP:


Pzgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (Ap-T) 0,072kg 850m/s 0g filler 33mm/10m

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Pzbrgr. o.Zerl. (Ap-I) 0,059kg 960m/s 0g filler 35mm/10m

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H-Pzgr. o.Zerl. (HVAP) 0,052kg 1050m/s 39g core 9,5mm 51mm/10m

Note: Only against heavyer armored Ground targets, incendary effect duo to melting of Magnesium-Aluminuim carrier.
Another version of 54,5g with 1040m/s also exists.
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Sprgr. L'Spur m.Zerl Üb. (Saphe-T / Phe-T) 0,057 kg 960m/s 1,1g Pent (1,87g) Some penetration

Screenshot 2024-04-05 135847


He:


Brsprgr. L`Spur o.Zerl (HeI-T) 0,057kg 960m/s 1,9g Pent + 1,3g Thermite (3,23g)

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(Could only find the m.Zerl version, o.Zerl is the same just without the little hole between charge and tracer)


Brsprgr. Gl`Spur. o.Zerl. (HeI-T night) 0,057kg 960m/s 1,9g Pent + 1,3g Thermite (3,23g)

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Sprgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (He-T) 0,057kg 960m/s 2,8g Pent (4,76g)
(Early on replaced by the Br.Sprgr.)


Sprgr. Gl`Spur. o.Zerl. (He-T night) 0,057kg 960m/s 2,8g Pent (4,76g
(Early on replaced by the Br.Sprgr.)


Incendary:


Brgr. L`Spur/Gl'Spur. o.Zerl. 0,057kg 960m/s 0,2g Pent (0,34g)

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(Could only find the m.Zerl version, o.Zerl is the same just without the little hole between charge and tracer)



20mm Mg 151/20
Pictures:(Click to show)

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Caliber: 20mm

Ammo: 20x82mm

Fire Rate: 700-750-800 rpm (Syncronized)

Beltfed

Muzzle velocity: 720-790 m/s

Weight: 37kg

Ammo Types:

Generally 3 Categories:

1.Ap rounds, base designe Ap, other types are the same round only replacing the filler from Pressstoff (bakelite) → Phosphorus → Pent and chaning the bottom screw to a bottom fuze so the performance is the same of all types.

2.Nose Fuze rounds same rounds made to the same characteristics of the Ap round with different fillers:

3.High capacity thinn walled Minengeschosse. M-Geschoss are multiple on the same principal with Mv of 790m/s with Self destruct and without of He He-I and with I.


Ap: (Early rounds were 0,115kg, which were increased to 0,117kg)


Pzgr. o.Zerl. (Ap) 0,117kg 720m/s 27mm/10m

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Pzbrgr. (E.) o.Zerl. (Ap-I) 0,117kg 720m/s 27mm/10m

6,2g Thermite (Elektron) and Incendary mix, after penetrating 4mm Shipsteel, it is shot out the back.
Used against Trading ships and other light War Vehicles.
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Pzbrgr. (Ph.) o.Zerl (Ap-I) 0,117kg 720m/s 27mm/10m

3,6g Phosphor filling in Aluminium shell. Goes into action after shattering.
Used in Airfights against especially armored planes and against light tanks, Trucks, Trains and others.
Screenshot 2024-04-20 114033
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Pzbrgr. L'Spur (or Gl'Spur) (Ph.) (ApI-T) 0,117kg 27mm/10m

2,5g Phosphor filling in Aluminium shell. Goes into action after shattering.
Same use as Tracerless version, but with tracer.
Screenshot 2024-04-20 113346


Pzsprgr. o.Zerl. (Aphe) 0,117kg 720m/s 5,1g Pent (8,67g) 27mm/10m

Note: Against Ships, Iron protected targets as well as light ground targets.
Bottum Fuze active after 3mm Steel.
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Pzsprgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (Aphe-T) 0,117kg 720m/s 3g Pent (5,1g) 27mm/10m

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Pzsprgr. Gl´Spur. o.Zerl. (Aphe-T night) 0,117kg 720m/s 3g Pent (5,1g) 27mm/10m

Screenshot 2024-04-20 113338


He: (Early rounds were 0,115kg, which were increased to 0,117kg)


Sprgr. L`Spur. m.Zerl. (He-T) 0,117kg 720m/s 4,3g Pent (7,31g)

Note: Against Air and ground targets, replaced by Br.Sprgr. early on.
(Could only find the m.Zerl version, o.Zerl is the same just without the little hole between charge and tracer)
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Brsprgr. L`Spur. m.Zerl. (HeI-T) 0,117kg 720m/s 2,3g Pent (3,91g)

Also with Gl’Spur.
Screenshot 2024-05-03 152331
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Incendary: (Early rounds were 0,115kg, which were increased to 0,117kg)


Brgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (I-T) 0,117kg 720m/s Some AP capability, duo solid nose designe

Also with Gl’Spur and without Sd.
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Brgr. o.Zerl. (I) 0,117kg 720m/s

Highly compressed Incendary mix of Bariumnitrat-Aluminium-Magnesium-Alloy.
Screenshot 2024-04-20 115024


Minengeschoss:


M-Gesch. o.Zerl. 0,095kg 790m/s 18g HA 41 (29,76g)

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M-Gesch. X m.Zerl 0,104kg 750m/s 25g HA 41 (40g)

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20mm Mg FF/M
Picture:(Click to show)

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Caliber: 20mm

Ammo: 20x80mm

Fire Rate: 520 rpm (Unsyncronized)

Drumfed 60-90 rpg

Muzzle velocity: 585-718 m/s

Weight: 28kg

Ammo Types:


Ap: (Early rounds were 0,115kg, which were increased to 0,117kg)


Pzgr. o.Zerl. (Ap) 0,117kg 585m/s 20mm/10m

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Pzbrgr. (E.) o.Zerl. (Ap-I) 0,117kg 585m/s 20mm/10m

6,2g Thermite (Elektron) and Incendary mix, after penetrating 4mm Shipsteel, it is shot out the back.
Used against Trading ships and other light War Vehicles.
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Pzbrgr. (Ph.) o.Zerl (Ap-I) 0,117kg 585m/s 20mm/10m

3,6g Phosphor filling in Aluminium shell. Goes into action after shattering.
Used in Airfights against especially armored planes and against light tanks, Trucks, Trains and others.
Screenshot 2024-04-20 114033
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Pzsprgr. o.Zerl. (Aphe) 0,117kg 585m/s 5,1g Pent (8,67g) 20mm/10m

Note: Against Ships, Iron protected targets as well as light ground targets.
Bottum Fuze active after 3mm Steel.
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He: (Early rounds were 0,115kg, which were increased to 0,117kg)


Sprgr. L`Spur. m.Zerl. (He-T) 0,117kg 585m/s 4,3g Pent (7,31g)

Note: Against Air and ground targets, replaced by Br.Sprgr. early on.
(Could only find the m.Zerl version, o.Zerl is the same just without the little hole between charge and tracer)
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Brsprgr. L`Spur. m.Zerl. (HeI-T) 0,117kg 585m/s 2,3g Pent (3,91g)

Also with Gl’Spur.
Screenshot 2024-05-03 152331
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Incendary: (Early rounds were 0,115kg, which were increased to 0,117kg)


Brgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (I-T) 0,117kg 585m/s Some AP capability, duo solid nose designe

Also with Gl’Spur and without Sd.
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Minengeschoss:


M-Gesch. o.Zerl. 0,095kg 718m/s 18g HA 41 (29,76g)

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Mountings:

Pintel and fixed


20mm Mg C/30 L
Pictures:(Click to show)

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Caliber: 20mm

Ammo: 20x138mmB Rheinmetall

Fire Rate: 325 rpm

Drumfed 100 rounds

Muzzle velocity: 830-1050 m/s (Going by L/65 barrle, aircraft mounted it was longer to reach the end of the Propeller hub (L/90), tho no more info on change of velocity.)

Weight: 64kg

Mounting:
Fixed Motorkanone

Vehicles:

He 112 A-0
Bf 109 V-3 (Possibly)

Ammo Types: ApI-T, Aphe-T, APCR-T, He-, HeI-T and HeI-T (m) (And self destruct)


AP:


Pzgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (Ph.) (ApI-T) 0,148kg 830m/s 40mm/10m

Note: Used against ground targets. Soft and armored. 3g White Phosphor Core.
Were fully replaced by the empty ones and later .Zerl in the Desert and other hot places, as the Phostphor had a nasty tendicy to self ignite in hot weather.
The Ph. marked ones were standart with the filler, however they also existed with an O. which indicated they didnt have a filler and were only 143g (and 835-840m/s).
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Screenshot 2024-06-02 184250
Screenshot 2024-06-02 183231


Pzgr. L'Spur zerl. (Aphe-T Sd) 0,148 kg 830m/s 2,4g Pent 37mm/10m

NOTE: Against ground and air tragets. Soft and armored.
It does NOT have a fuze, the filler is for self destruction, in game it would also explode upon impact when shattering, like the japanese 30mm Aphe.
Bild11
Screenshot 2024-04-19 134646


Pzgr. 40 L`Spur. o.Zerl. (HVAP-T) 0,100kg 1050m/s 62g core 12x45mm 50mm/10m

Note: Only used against heavy armored targets, where the standart Ap ammo does not penetrate.
(There were 3-4 generations, with ever increasing length and slightly weight, to improve stability.)
Bild14
Screenshot 2024-04-19 134609
Screenshot 2024-04-19 134620
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Pzsprgr. L'Spur o.Zerl. (Aphe-T) 0,148 kg 830m/s 3,6g Pent 35mm/10m

Note: Mainly (?) used by the Navy and only against ground targets.
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Screenshot 2024-04-08 201437


Pzsprgr. L'Spur m.Zerl. (Aphe-T Sd) 0,121 kg 900m/s 3,6g Pent 33mm/10m

Note: Mainly (?) used by the Navy and against ground and air targets.
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Screenshot 2024-04-19 134808
Screenshot 2024-04-19 134804



(This last picture is an adaption for the Mg151/20 and uses a different shorter tracer, which results in it beeing also a bit lighter)
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He:


Sprgr. L`Spur. m.Zerl. (Hefi-T Sd.) 0,120kg 900m/s 6,2g Pent (10,54g) 5mm/10m

Zeichn_04
Screenshot 2024-05-10 000937


Sprgr. Erd. o.L'Spur. o.Zerl. (He) 0,120kg 900m/s 11g Pent (18,7g)

Note: Only against groundtargets. Other name is Spr.Gr.39.
(Couldnt find the correct drawing, the Br.Sprgr. o.L’Spur is basically the same, just different filler with Zink.
Screenshot 2023-09-06 122928
sprgr erd
Screenshot 2024-06-02 183422


Brsprgr. L'Spur m.Zerl. (Hefi-T Sd.) 0,120kg 900m/s 6,6g H.5 and Aluminium

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Brsprgr. vk. L'Spur m.Zerl (Hefi-T Sd.) 0,120kg 900m/s 19g H.5 and Zink

Note: Against Air and Ground targets, reduced tracer length for increased filler. The full feight of the H.5 and Zink mixture is 19g, not the pure He filler.
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Screenshot 2024-04-19 134851


Brsprgr. o.L'Spur. m.Zerl. (Hef-I Sd.) 0,120kg 900m/s 20g H.5 and Zink

Note: Against ground and air targets. No tracer at all to have a fully capacity He (H.5) and Incendary (Zink) mix. (Weight calculated by Killakiwi 7g H.5 13g Zink)
(first drawing is either a earlier model or a slighly too short drawn capacity.)
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(This italian drawing is more representative.)
Screenshot 2024-05-31 173318
Screenshot 2024-04-19 134832


Minengeschoss:


M-Gesch. X m.Zerl (He-I (m) Sd.) 0,104kg 950m/s 25g HA 41 (40g)

Screenshot 2024-04-19 132439


M-Gesch. X L'Spur m.Zerl (HeI-T (m) Sd.) 0,109kg 950m/s 24g HTA

Screenshot 2024-04-19 134912



20/30mm Mg 213C
Pictures:(Click to show)




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Caliber: 20 and 30mm

Ammo: 20x135mm and 30x85mmR Mauser

Fire Rate: 1200-1400 rpm / 1000-1200 rpm

Beltfed: Unknown ammo amount

Muzzle velocity: 1050 m/s / 530 m/s

Weight: 96kg

Mounting:

Fixed, Motorkanone and Fuzelage

Vehicles:

Fw 190/Ta 152 Prototype

Bf 110 (for testing in flight)

Ammo Types: ApI-T, Aphe-T (Sd.),Hef-I and Hefi-T, HeI (m) and HeI-T (m) / HeI-T (m), HeI (m) and P-T

The 20mm Ammo is the same as 2 cm Flak (and Mg C/30L), with a different casing and higher velocity of 980m/s and 1050 m/s for Pzgr. L’Spur (148g) and the Sprgr. L’spur (Hefi-T) as well as their other versions. For the 30mm barrle, its the same shells as the Mk 108 just with a slightly higher velocity.
For the 30mm ammo look at Mk 108, same shells but with 530m/s instead of 500m/s.

Cince their sadly badly documented natur, ill mostly reuse the 20x138mm pictures.


AP:


Pzgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (Ph.) (ApI-T) 0,148kg 980m/s 50mm/10m

Note: Used against ground targets. Soft and armored. 3g White Phosphor Core.
Were fully replaced by the empty ones and later .Zerl in the Desert and other hot places, as the Phostphor had a nasty tendicy to self ignite in hot weather.
The Ph. marked ones were standart with the filler, however they also existed with an O. which indicated they didnt have a filler and were only 143g (and 985-990m/s).
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Screenshot 2024-06-02 184250
Screenshot 2024-06-02 183231


Pzgr. L'Spur zerl. (Aphe-T Sd) 0,148 kg 980m/s 2,4g Pent 46mm/10m

NOTE: Against ground and air tragets. Soft and armored.
It does NOT have a fuze, the filler is for self destruction, in game it would also explode upon impact when shattering, like the japanese 30mm Aphe.
Bild11
Screenshot 2024-04-19 134646


Pzsprgr. L'Spur o.Zerl. (Aphe-T) 0,148 kg 980m/s 3,6g Pent 44mm/10m

Note: Mainly (?) used by the Navy and only against ground targets.
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Screenshot 2024-04-08 201437


Pzsprgr. L'Spur m.Zerl. (Aphe-T Sd) 0,121 kg 1050m/s 3,6g Pent 41mm/10m

Note: Mainly (?) used by the Navy and against ground and air targets.
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Screenshot 2024-04-19 134808
Screenshot 2024-04-19 134804



(This last picture is an adaption for the Mg151/20 and uses a different shorter tracer, which results in it beeing also a bit lighter)
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He:


Sprgr. L`Spur. m.Zerl. (Hefi-T Sd.) 0,120kg 1050m/s 6,2g Pent (10,54g)

Zeichn_04


Sprgr. Erd. o.L'Spur. o.Zerl. (He) 0,120kg 1050m/s 11g Pent (18,7g)

Note: Only against groundtargets. Other name is Spr.Gr.39.
(Couldnt find the correct drawing, the Br.Sprgr. o.L’Spur is basically the same, just different filler with Zink.
Screenshot 2023-09-06 122928
sprgr erd
Screenshot 2024-06-02 183422


Brsprgr. L'Spur m.Zerl. (Hefi-T Sd.) 0,120kg 1050m/s 6,6g H.5 and Aluminium

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Brsprgr. vk. L'Spur m.Zerl (Hefi-T Sd.) 0,120kg 1050m/s 19g H.5 and Zink

Note: Against Air and Ground targets, reduced tracer length for increased filler. The full feight of the H.5 and Zink mixture is 19g, not the pure He filler.
(first drawing is either a earlier model or a slighly too short drawn capacity.)
image
(This italian drawing is more representative.)
Screenshot 2024-05-31 173318
Screenshot 2024-04-19 134851


Brsprgr. o.L'Spur. m.Zerl. (Hef-I Sd.) 0,120kg 1050m/s 20g H.5 and Zink

Note: Against ground and air targets. No tracer at all to have a fully capacity He (H.5) and Incendary (Zink) mix. (Weight calculated by Killakiwi 7g H.5 13g Zink)
Screenshot 2023-09-06 122928
Screenshot 2024-04-19 134832


Minengeschoss:


M-Gesch. X m.Zerl (He-I (m) Sd.) 0,104kg 1100m/s 25g HA 41 (40g)

Screenshot 2024-04-19 132439


M-Gesch. X L'Spur m.Zerl (HeI-T (m) Sd.) 0,109kg 1100m/s 24g HTA

Screenshot 2024-04-19 134912



30mm Mk 108
Pictures:(Click to show)





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Caliber: 30mm

Ammo: 30x90mmB

Fire Rate: 600-650 rpm / Late war Mk 108A increased to 900 rpm

Beltfed: 65 and up rpg

Muzzle velocity: 500-525 m/s

Weight: 58kg

Ammo Types: HeI (M), HeI-T (M), P-T ( P-T as a AP ersatz, some sources and pictures from US Tests (see under pictures) show other AP rounds, but not German sources and its a API Blowback gun, the heavyer weight wouldnt work well. If appart from the M-Gesch. Üb. the H-Pzgr. and/or H-Pzgr. Üb. would be used.)

Example of Ap ammo (unlikely)


And this Experimental light weight AP ammo (no core)
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“Ap”/P-T:


M-Gesch. Ausf.C L'Spur Üb. o.Zerl. (P-T) 0,33kg 500-525m/s 0g Filler Some penetration

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Screenshot 2024-04-05 171538


Minengeschoss:


M-Gesch. Ausf.C L`Spur. o.Zerl. (HeI-T (m)) 0,33kg 500-525m/s 70g HTA 5g Pent (92,5g)

N_01


M-Gesch. Ausf.A o.Zerl. (HeI) 0,33kg 500m/s 85g HTA (102g)

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M-Brandgranate m.Zerl. (HeI) 0,37kg 500m/s 40g HTA (48g) & Incendary filler

Screenshot 2024-04-05 171708
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Incendary:


Brandgranate o.Zerl. (I) 0,33kg 500m/s 140g Incendarymix & 0,6g Pent (1,02g)

(Doesnt have Mine in the name, as it does not possess great He filler.)
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Screenshot 2024-04-05 171720
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30mm Mk 101
Pictures:(Click to show)

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Caliber: 30mm

Ammo: 30x184mmB Rheinmetall (Mechanically fired)

Fire Rate: 260 rpm

Magazin and Drum fed: 5 and 30 rpg

Muzzle velocity: (700) 800-960 m/s

Weight: 139kg

Mounting:
Fixed, and Semifixed, Gondular, Pod

Vehicles:
Hs 129 B-1 (and early B-2)
He 177 (2x in a semi fixed Gondular)
Bf 110 C-6 and B-1
Do 24T

Ammo Types: Ap-I, Aphe-T, Apihecbc-T, HVAP-T, He-T, He

Similar principal to the Mg 151/20

Ammo Types: Ap-I, Aphe-T, Apihecbc-T, HVAP-T, He-T, He

Similar principal to the Mg 151/20


AP:


Pzbrgr. (E.) o.Zerl. (Ap-I) 0,5kg 800m/s 58mm/10m

Note: Used against Trading ships and other light War Vehicles/Vessels. Contains a 9g Thermite filling.
After penetrating 6mm of Ship construction steel, over a path of 2m it ejects the Thermite (Elektron) filling, multiple penetrations create a permament fire source.
(Reduced Charge to reduce gun wear later to 725m/s.)
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Pzsprgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (Aphe-T) 0,5kg 800m/s 14g Pent (23,8g) 58mm/10m

Note: Primary against Iron/Steel protected or armored Ground targets.
5mm Fuze Sensitivity and 0,75m (+/-0,25m) Fuze Delay.
2 Versions existed with different Bottum Fuzes (BdZ. 1583 and BdZ. 1584) with 500g or 530g weight (resulting also in a 25m/s velocity difference)
(Reduced Charge to reduce gun wear later to 700m/s and 725m/s.)
Was later replaced by the Pzbrsprgr. L’Spur as it was ligher (reducing wear), offered increased penetration and double effect of HE and Incendary instead of only He.)
(Like the ammo of the Mg 151/20 this is build like the Pzbrgr but with Pent filling and a Bottomfuze instead of Thermite filling.)
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Pzbrsprgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (ApI-T / ApheIcbc-T) 0,455kg 800m/s 5,2g Pent (8,84g) 58mm/10m

Note: Against Iron/Steel protected and Armored ground targets. Against Locomotives and heavily armored Planes. Was to replace the Pzsprgr. L’Spur.
Apcbc round. 5mm Fuze sensitivity and 0,75m +/- 0,25m Fuze Delay.
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H-Pzgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (HVAP-T) 0,356kg 960m/s 16mm 231g core 81mm/10m

Note: Only against Heavily armored Tanks. The Al-Mg-Cu Alloy Carrier has an incendary effect upon melting on impact.
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Fig347_12
Fig347_11


He:


Sprgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (He-T) 0,44kg 800m/s 27g Pent (45,9g)

Note: Against Air and Ground Targets. Fully replaced by the M-Geschoss L’Spur o.Zerl.
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Minengeschoss:


M-Gesch. Ausf.C L`Spur. o.Zerl. (Hei-T (m)) 0,33kg 900m/s 70g HTA 5g Pent (92,5g)

Note: Against Air and Ground Targets. Fully replaced the Sprgr. L’Spur.
(Existed both with full 900m/s charge and reduced wear charge of 860m/s.)
(I couldnt find the normal one, so instead the Üb. versions, along with the full drawing.)
Screenshot 2024-04-25 180000
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M-Gesch. Ausf.A o.Zerl. (Hei (m)) 0,33kg 900m/s 85g HTA (102g)

Note: Against Air and Ground Targets. Fully replaced the Sprgr. L’Spur.
(Existed both with full 900m/s charge and reduced wear charge of 860m/s.)
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Brgr. o.L'Spur o.Zerl (I) 0,33kg 900m/s 140g Incendary mix & 0,6g Pent (1,02g)

Screenshot 2024-05-03 161911
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Mountings:
Fixed, Pods


30mm Mk 103
Pictures:(Click to show)

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Caliber: 30mm

Ammo: 30x184mmB Rheinmetall (Electrically fired)

Fire Rate: 450 rpm (Syncronized)

Beltfed depending on mounting 75-120 rpg

Muzzle velocity: (700) 800-960 m/s

Weight: 105kg

Ammo Types: Ap-I, Aphe-T, Apihecbc-T, HVAP-T, He-T, He

Similar principal to the Mg 151/20

Ammo Types: Ap-I, Aphe-T, Apihecbc-T, HVAP-T, He-T, He

Similar principal to the Mg 151/20


AP:


Pzbrgr. (E.) o.Zerl. (Ap-I) 0,5kg 800m/s 58mm/10m

Note: Used against Trading ships and other light War Vehicles/Vessels. Contains a 9g Thermite filling.
After penetrating 6mm of Ship construction steel, over a path of 2m it ejects the Thermite (Elektron) filling, multiple penetrations create a permament fire source.
(Reduced Charge to reduce gun wear later to 725m/s.)
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Pzsprgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (Aphe-T) 0,5kg 800m/s 14g Pent (23,8g) 58mm/10m

Note: Primary against Iron/Steel protected or armored Ground targets.
5mm Fuze Sensitivity and 0,75m (+/-0,25m) Fuze Delay.
2 Versions existed with different Bottum Fuzes (BdZ. 1583 and BdZ. 1584) with 500g or 530g weight (resulting also in a 25m/s velocity difference)
(Reduced Charge to reduce gun wear later to 700m/s and 725m/s.)
Was later replaced by the Pzbrsprgr. L’Spur as it was ligher (reducing wear), offered increased penetration and double effect of HE and Incendary instead of only He.)
(Like the ammo of the Mg 151/20 this is build like the Pzbrgr but with Pent filling and a Bottomfuze instead of Thermite filling.)
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Pzbrsprgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (ApI-T / ApheIcbc-T) 0,455kg 800m/s 5,2g Pent (8,84g) 58mm/10m

Note: Against Iron/Steel protected and Armored ground targets. Against Locomotives and heavily armored Planes. Was to replace the Pzsprgr. L’Spur.
Apcbc round. 5mm Fuze sensitivity and 0,75m +/- 0,25m Fuze Delay.
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H-Pzgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (HVAP-T) 0,356kg 960m/s 16mm 231g core 81mm/10m

Note: Only against Heavily armored Tanks. The Al-Mg-Cu Alloy Carrier has an incendary effect upon melting on impact.
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Fig347_12
Fig347_11


He:


Sprgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (He-T) 0,44kg 800m/s 27g Pent (45,9g)

Note: Against Air and Ground Targets. Fully replaced by the M-Geschoss L’Spur o.Zerl.
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Minengeschoss:


M-Gesch. Ausf.C L`Spur. o.Zerl. (Hei-T (m)) 0,33kg 900m/s 70g HTA 5g Pent (92,5g)

Note: Against Air and Ground Targets. Fully replaced the Sprgr. L’Spur.
(Existed both with full 900m/s charge and reduced wear charge of 860m/s.)
(I couldnt find the normal one, so instead the Üb. versions, along with the full drawing.)
Screenshot 2024-04-25 180000
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M-Gesch. Ausf.A o.Zerl. (Hei (m)) 0,33kg 900m/s 85g HTA (102g)

Note: Against Air and Ground Targets. Fully replaced the Sprgr. L’Spur.
(Existed both with full 900m/s charge and reduced wear charge of 860m/s.)
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Brgr. o.L'Spur o.Zerl (I) 0,33kg 900m/s 140g Incendary mix & 0,6g Pent (1,02g)

Screenshot 2024-05-03 161911
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Mountings:
Fixed, Motorkanone, Pods



37mm Bk 37/43
Pictures:(Click to show)

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Caliber: 37mm

Ammo: 37x265mm

Fire Rate: 160 / 250 rpm

Loading Tray 6 / 8 rounds Rahmen (Frame)

Muzzle velocity: 770-1170m/s

Weight: 295 kg (Bk 43 lighter)

Mounting:
Fixed, Fuzelage and pods

Vehicles:
Ju 87
Bf 110
Me 410 (and 210)
Ju 88

Ammo Types: Aphe, Hvap-T, He-T, HeI-T, He-I, HeI-T(m)


Ap:


Pzgr. 18 L`Spur (Aphe) 0,685 kg 770/820m/s 13g Pent (22,1g) 49-54mm/10m

Note: Against Ground and Air Targets.
Bottum Fuze after 7mm active.
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Screenshot 2024-06-02 183242


Pzgr. L’Spur (Naval) (Apcbc) 0,7 kg 815m/s solid 67mm/10m


M-Pzgr. 18 L`Spur. o.Zerl. (Aphe) 0,710 kg 783M/s 90g HTA (108g) 42mm/10m

Note: Mainly against Air Targets, as well as ground targets and ships. (Propably didnt go into service.)
Bottum Fuze active after 5mm
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Screenshot 2024-05-03 160342


H-Pzgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (Apcr) 0,405 kg 1150/1170m/s 231g core(16,1mm) 110-113mm/10m

Note: Only against Tanks, where other Ap rounds cant penetrate. The Carrier has an Incendary effect when melting upon impact.
Another version is 0,410kg heavy.
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Screenshot 2024-05-03 161328


He:


Sprgr. 18 L`Spur. (umg.) (He-T) 0,62 kg 820/845m/s 29g Pent (49,3g) 7mm/10m

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Screenshot 2024-06-02 183613
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Brsprgr. L'Spur (Hei-T) 0,644kg 820m/s 30g H.5 and Aluminium

Note: Against Air and Ground targets.
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Brsprgr. vk L'Spur. (HeI-T) 0,644kg 820m/s 40g H.5 and Aluminium

Note: Against Air and Ground targets, shortened Tracer for increased He and Incendary effect.
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Brsprgr. o.L'Spur (HEI) 0,62kg 820/845m/s 90g H.5 und Zink

Note: Against Air and ground targets.
(Filler of 35,5g H.5 and 54,5g Zink, calculated by Killakiwi)
Zeichn_05


Minengeschoss:


M-Gr. 18 L`Spur. o.Zerl. (Fi-T) 0,55kg 914m/s 90g HTA (108g) 7mm/10m

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Mountings:

Fixed, Internal and Pods



50mm Bk 5 / Mk 214A
Pictures:(Click to show)

Bk-5


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Mk 214A


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The Bk 5 is a modified KwK 39 L/60, as far as i can tell, Bk 5 not just refers to the autolader and gun, but the gun alone as well, as they were used without loader on the ground as well as in 1 Ju 88 P-4.
It is also the basis for the Mk 214A.

Caliber: 50mm

Ammo: 50x420mm

Fire Rate: 50 rpm / 160 rpm (Bk 5 / Mk 214A)

Continues Belt 22/32 rounds (Me 410 / Me 262)

Muzzle velocity: 835-920 m/s

Weight: 504kg / 490 kg (Bk 5 / Mk 214A)

Mounting:
Fixed, Fuzelage and Pod

Vehicles:
Me 410 (and 210)
Ju 88
Me 262 A-1/U4

Ammo Types: Apc, Apcr, HeI, HeI (m) and HeI-T (m) (Sd.)


Ap:


Pzgr.39 (APC) 2,06 kg 835m/s 17g Np.10 106mm/10m

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Pzgr. 40 (Apcr) 0,925 kg 21x75mm 335g core 1180-1200m/s 139-142mm/10m

(Yes the drawing sayes 0,9kg, however pretty much all captured stock and other german sources say 0,925kg with 1180m/s. And British, USA and Russian Source shows 1200m/s, German velocitys are for mid life barrles.)
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He:


Sprgr. 38 (HEI) 1,82-1,86 kg 250g HTA & 12g Pent 870m/s (May be different from ground version)

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Minengeschoss:


M-Gesch. L'Spur m.Zerl. (HeI-T (m) Sd.) 1,52 kg 335-337 g HTA & 12-15g Pent (350g -> 420g) 920m/s

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M-Gesch. o'Spur m/o.Zerl (HeI (m) With and without Sd.) 1,56 kg 350g HTA 920m/s

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55mm Mk 112
Pictures:(Click to show)

Caliber: 55mm

Ammo: 55x175mm

Fire Rate: 300 / 350 rpm (Different source)

Beltfed: 25 and up rounds (Me 262)

Muzzle velocity: 594-610m/s (Different source)

Weight: 300 kg / 275 kg (Early / Simplefied)

Fixed, Fuzelage and Pods

Vehicle:
Me 262 (2x in the front with 25 rounds each replacing the 4x Mk 108)
Ar 234 (2x in the front for nightfighter with 50 rpg)
Do 335 (1x under each wing)

Ammo Types: HeI-T (m), P-T

Sadly no surviving Pictures, but is a Upscaled Mk 108, also only fireing Minengeschosse. Build into Me 262, Ar 234 and in gondolas under Do 335


M-Gesch. L'Spur m.Zerl. (HeI-T Sd.) 1,5 kg 420g HTA (504g) 594-610m/s


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M-Gesch. L’Spur Üb. o.Zerl. (P-T) 1,5kg 0g filler 594-610m/s some penetration



55mm Mk 114
No Pictures Surviving, but similar to Gerät 58 (fired also the same 55x450mmR) but from Rheinmetall instead of Krupp (Click to show):

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Intended as bigger more powerfull brother of the Mk 112. It Possibly was put into a single Me 262, but no pictures survive, merely added to give some insight and possibility.

Caliber: 55mm

Ammo: 55x450mm

Fire Rate: 180 rpm

Beltfed:

Muzzle velocity: 1050m/s

Weight:

Ammo Types: HeI-T, HeI-T (m), P-T

Sprgr. L'Spur m.Zerl. (HeI-T Sd.) 2,03kg unknown filler of HTA 1050m/s



And a P-T version of each with some penetration.


75mm Bk 75
Pictures:(Click to show)

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Ju 88 P-1

Caliber: 75mm

Ammo: 75x718mmR

Fire Rate: 40 rpm

Hydraulic Autoloader: 13 rounds

Muzzle velocity: 700-990m/s

Weight: 460kg

Mounted: Hs 129 B-3 and Ju 88 P-1

Ammo Types: Apcbc, Apcr, He


Ap:


Pzgr.39 (APCBC) 6,8kg 17g Pent (28,9g) 740-750m/s 137-140mm/10m

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Pzgr.40 (APCR) 4,1kg 919m/s 28mm Core 162mm/10m

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He:


Sprgr.34 (He) 5,74 kg 700m/s 680g Fp.02 + 35g Np.10 Booster

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8,8 cm DüKa
Pictures:(Click to show)


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LuftArchiv.de
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88mm Düka (Düsen Kanone) is a recoilless gun using standart 88mm Shells (not casings). It was mounted on one Ju 88 P-5. Inteded use against ground targets and bombers, however nothing beyond tests, it was seen as too heavy, too low velocity and not ideal for the rolle.

Caliber: 88mm

Ammo: 88x822mmR

Fire Rate: 15 rpm

Hydraulic Autoloader: 11 rounds (1 in the chamber, 10 on the rack)

Muzzle velocity: 500-600m/s

Weight: 1120kg

Ammo Types: Apcbc, Heat, He


Ap:


Pzgr. (Apcbc) 9,5 kg 168g Fp.10 and Np.10 (215,04g) 500m/s 77mm/10m

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Gr. 39 Hl (Heat) 7,64 kg 646g H.5 (1,1kg) 600m/s 110mm/all

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He:


Sprgr. L/4,5 (He) 9 kg 900g Fp.02 and Np.10 500m/s

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Source:
Handbuch der Flugzeugbordwaffenmunition 1936-1945

L.Dv. 4000/1 - 10

Captured ammunition Bulletin

German light anti-aircraft and anti-tank guns The War Office Dec 1942

German Antiaircraft Artillery, military intelligence service special series 10 Feb. 1943

4402/2 Mun. d. 2 cm Flak 30,38 und Flakvierling 38
Munition der 2 cm Waffen

Captured Ammunition Bulletin No 5 and 6

British 5 cm Pzgr 40 for 5 cm KwK 38 L/42 and Pak 38 L/60 Chart


Russian Ammo Chart (Including 5cm Pzgr.40 for L/60 with 1200m/s)

3 Likes

You can use these :)

Spoiler

German_armor_piercing_aircraft_shells_color_code
German_explosive_aircraft_shells_color_code

1 Like

I think it is finished so far.

There are technically some more guns such as:
13mm Mg 110 (13x64mm) with 1600 rpm, 25kg weight.
20mm Mg 301 (20x135) 1000 rpm, 45kg weight
20mm Mg 411 350 rpm, 120 kg
and 20 mm Mg 204 with 20x105mm ammo 500 rpm at 826m/s (basis on the S-18-350)

However they have very sparce info and or werent mounted at all (to my knowlege, otherwise feel free to post such here)

The 20mm Mg 204 was mounted in the front turret of a Bv 138 A-1 (as well as Do18E and Do 24 K-2)

Pictures:(Click to show)

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1 Like

It just says that the Incendiary round is suppose to replace the HEFI shell, in combination with Mineshells.
That doesn’t mean that there was actually a 13mm “Mineshell”.
It’s the same text for the 15mm and 20mm rounds.

I am not saying that there was one in service, i am just saying that it existed, as i also saw a drawing for it.

Do you have any information on the 20mm mineshell fuzes? Specifically on the delay after penetrating aircraft skin.

They used detonations charges with built in delay.

3-4 different types were developed.

  • Verzögerungssprengkapsel VC - 10cm delay (probably at 100m for MG 151/20)
  • Verzögerungssprengkapsel VD
  • Verzögerungssprengkapsel VD* - 20cm delay (probably at 100m) (Insufficent delay past 600m)
  • Verzögerungssprengkapsel VF (Not sure for what type of shell)
  • Verzögerungssprengkapsel VC 70 - 75cm delay (± 25cm depending on the range)
Spoiler


Delay changes based on the shells velocity, obviously.

Problem is that 20mm Mineshells lose a ton of velocity at range.
At 100m they are going around 680m/s while at 600m it’s only ~310m/s and just 235m/s at 1000m.

The VC 70 is used for 20mm, 30mm and 50mm Mineshells.
So the delay would depend on the shells velocity.

High velocity 30mm and 50mm probably have a ~100cm delay at 100m and just 50cm at 1000m and beyond, while 20mm and low velocity 30mm probably only have a delay of 75-50cm at 100m and maybe 25cm at 1000m.

2 Likes

But also if the Duplexcapsel alone is used, its “without” delay?

Yes, the regular detonator (duplex) will cause the round to explode almost immediatly after impact.

Hard to say how quickly. The are all striker based, so after impact the striker gets depressed, hitting the detonator.

I think in general this results in around 2-4cm of travel before the shell explodes.

2 Likes

Thanks, that’s exactly what I wanted to find out. Had someone tell me mineshells didn’t have a delayed fuse and I wanted to throw them into the sun.

1 Like

it depends. I think Mineshells didn’t have a delay charge until 1941/42.

If loaded for ground targets then the Mineshell also would use the regular point detonation fuze without self-destruct mechanism and wouldn’t have the delay charge.

But in general they relied on the delay to maximise blast damage to air frames.

2 Likes

I actually forgot, that i have apage about the 55mm Mk214B (using the same 55x450mmB ammo as the Gerät 58)

And it seems there really was an AP round, with 830m/s.

Page

Screenshot 2023-09-11 210349

Added the 7,92 x 94 mm Mg 141 it was at least mounted on the Do 17 Z-2 of the 1/Kg 2 (Pictures of the plane with gun in the main Post.)
If anyone knows more planes that it was mounted on please post them here.

I wish they added aircraft with the MG 213C revolver gun, even as event.