New IL2 37mm dual cannons

[Tilt]

I recall somebody (Tony Williams?) claimed that the Yak-9T always carried HE rounds as it was intended for air-to-air combat.

Yes he has, as indeed he has repeated above. However his book (or the table at the back) only gives data on the AP round used in the NS 37. My point was that the NS 37 could be armed with either.

Further  both would be commonly found at airfields because the Yak9T used one and the IL2-m3 used the other.

Has any one noticed how effective the AH NS37 AP round is against aircraft? it seems every bit as deadly as an HE round. Given this were an accurate representation then I would prefer the AP round in my Yak9T even if I were to use it mainly agin other ac.

[Tony Williams]

Yes he has, as indeed he has repeated above. However his book (or the table at the back) only gives data on the AP round used in the NS 37. My point was that the NS 37 could be armed with either.

True of Rapid Fire, but Flying Guns – World War 2: Development of Aircraft Guns, Ammunition and Installations 1933-45 includes HE/HEI details as well.

[Ack-Ack]

I think the M8 also has a 37mm gun, doesn't it? Maybe that's the really powerful listing there?

Probably the same reason why the 37mm on the IL2 was so successful as the Flak 18 37mm cannon was on the Ju87G models.  The Flak 18 37mm was not very effective as a ground AT gun but mounted on a plane, it was very successful, often achieving one hit kills against heavily armored Soviet tanks.


ack-ack

[mg1942]

How come the new IL-2 37mm doesn't have the heavy recoil associated with high caliber guns?

[Charge]

"The Flak 18 37mm was not very effective as a ground AT gun but mounted on a plane, it was very successful, often achieving one hit kills against heavily armored Soviet tanks."

From Rudel's memoirs I read that the effectiveness was not as much due to gun's power as much as it was for its accuracy to place a hit within 30cm (1ft) area and they had to carefully study the weak points of latest Russian armour and try to hit those places. Of course from the air you have more options to attack from direction that has the best access to the weak points.

-C+