Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 5:31:28-5:31:46

A sextuple Oerlikon and the limits of close-range AA

A multiple Oerlikon mount is judged reliable enough to be useful, while remaining a short-range weapon.

Anti Aircraft ArtilleryOerlikon 20 mmType 96 25 mm Anti-Aircraft Gun
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Question

Why would a sextuple 20 mm Oerlikon avoid the same problems as the Japanese 25 mm Type 96?

Short answer

The Oerlikon is considered fairly reliable, although such a mount would still offer only limited range and modest defensive value.

Notes

The proposed sextuple 20 mm Oerlikon is compared with the Japanese 25 mm Type 96. The Oerlikon is considered a reasonably reliable starting point, although the proposed mount would still have limited reach. Its usefulness is described modestly, with an 'emotional support' joke rather than a claim of decisive air defence.