Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:40:53-3:41:29

A reliable Chicago Piano still leaves a need for 40 mm guns

Reliability alone would leave the 1.1-inch weapon competing with Oerlikon in effect while carrying the size and weight of a Bofors installation.

Bofors 40 mmChicago PianoNaval Anti Aircraft WeaponsOerlikon 20 mmUS Navy
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Question

What if the 1.1-inch Chicago Piano worked well?

Short answer

It could cover an Oerlikon-like role, but its small projectile would still leave the fleet needing 40 mm guns.

Notes

A reliable Chicago Piano would fire as intended without solving the limitations of its small projectile. Its useful role would be closer to that of the 20 mm Oerlikon. The difficulty is that the installation carries size and weight requirements closer to a Bofors weapon. Navies would therefore still need substantial 40 mm armament, and might retain Oerlikons as well.