- Yes
- No
An M114 APC armed with the TRW-6425 - a fast firing, high velocity 25mm cannon firing APHE, APDS, and HE.
Introduction
In 1960, TRW (Thomson, Ramo-Wooldridge) Inc. undertook the development of an experimental 25x137mm gun, designated TRW-6425, under the leadership of engineer Eugene Stoner, legendary firearm designer well-known for his work on the AR-10, M-16 and other rifles. The development of the TRW-6425 was initiated in response to US army specifications (the ‘Bushmaster Project’) for a small-calibre rapid-firing cannon suitable for mounting on modern IFVs, which were conceptually still in their infancy in the 60s. It featured a dual feed system, allowing quick selection between armour-piercing and high-explosive shells, with a variable rate of fire and a compact, lightweight design.
The first prototype was produced within 22 months, with test firings commencing in November 1965. By early 1967, the TRW-6425 underwent technical tests and firing trials, leading to demonstrations for NATO countries, including Britain and France. As part of these trials, the TRW-6425 was mounted on a M114 APC, which had fallen out of favour for combat use due to poor performance in Vietnam. The firing trials were largely successful, showcasing passable reliability and accuracy, especially considering the cannon was still in its prototype stage.
In 1967, Swiss company Oerlikon-Bührle obtained a license for the TRW-6425 and initiated the KBA 25mm cannon project. Despite early teething problems with the cannon, Oerlikon refined the design, resulting in the Oerlikon KBA 25mm cannon which is currently in service with the Italian Dardo and the Japanese Type 87.
Unfortunately for TRW, the Hughes M242 won the US army Bushmaster contract, which led to the end of the development of the TRW-6425 within the United States.
In game, this vehicle would serve as a perfect bridge for the rather large gap between the M42 and M163 SPAAs, belonging at a BR somewhere between 5.7 - 6.3.
Specifications
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Cannon - TRW-6425
Ammunition
Hull - M114 APC
Mass - 6800 kg
Length - 4.46m
Width - 2.33m
Heigh - 2.39m
Crew - 3
Armor - 44.5 mm
Engine - 160 hp (120 kW) v8 gasoline
Power/weight - 23 hp/t
Maximum speed - 58 km/h
Turret - Modified M27 Commander Cupola
Traverse - Hydraulic, 94°/second
Elevation and depression - +60 to -14, depression dependent on hull restraints
Ammunition - ≈75 rounds magazine with an extra 25 rounds in the link feed
Stabilisation - None
Stabilisation - Full
Images
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Sources
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TRW-6425 25mm Gun Manual - Operations & Ammunition, TRW Jet & Ordnance Division (available here)
TRW-6425 - 25mm Weapon System, TRW Jet & Ordnance Division (available here)
TRW-6425 25mm - Sales Brochure, TRW Jet & Ordnance Division (available here)
M139 (& M27 Cupola) Vehicle Rapid Fire Weapon System, Department of the Army Training Circular (available here)
Interavia International Defence Review, November 1966, pg 1639 (available here)
The Machine Gun, Volume V, by George M. Chinn, pg 301 - 306 (available here)
M114 armored fighting vehicle - Wikipedia (general reading on the hull)