The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia
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| Projectile Type |
AP or HE |
| Velocity | 1824 feet per second (AP) 556 m/s (AP) |
| Projectile
Weight |
1.66 lbs (AP) 0.753 kg (AP) |
| Rate of
fire |
140 rounds per minute |
| Weight |
212 lbs 96 kg |
| Gun power |
160 |
The 37mm M4 was used on the P-39
Airacobra. It used a long recoil action and was fed from an endless
belt of 15 or 30 rounds. Its low muzzle velocity reduced its armor penetration and accuracy, and it
had a reputation among U.S.
pilots for a tendency to jam. However, the P-39 armed with the M4 was
popular with Soviet pilots engaged
in ground support missions.
The weapon was also employed, first as a field modification and later as a standard weapon, on U.S. PT boats.
References
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