Nudelman-Suranov NS-37
| Nudelman—Suranov NS-37 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Autocannon |
| Place of origin |  Soviet Union
|
| Service history | |
| In service | 1943-1945 |
| Used by | Soviet Union |
| Wars | World War II |
| Production history | |
| Designer | A. E. Nudelman and A. Suranov |
| Designed | 1941 |
| Manufacturer | Izhevsk Mechanical Works |
| Produced | 1942-1945 |
| Number built | 6833 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 170-140 kg (with motor/wing mount) |
| Length | 3.4 m |
| Barrel length | 2,3 m |
| Width | 21,5 cm |
| Height | 41,5 cm |
| | |
| Cartridge | 37×198mm |
| Barrels | 1 |
| Action | short recoil |
| Rate of fire | 240-260 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 900 m/s (HE, HEI-T), 880 m/s (AP-T) |
| Feed system | Belt |
The Nudelman-Suranov NS-37 (Russian: Нудельман - Суранов НС-37) was a 37 mm (1.5 in) aircraft cannon, which replaced the unreliable Shpitalny Sh-37 gun. Large caliber was planned to allow destruction of both ground targets (including armoured ones) and planes (ability to shoot down a bomber with a single hit).
Developed by A. E. Nudelman and A. Suranov from OKB-16 Construction Bureau since 1941, was tested on front in 1943 and subsequently ordered into production, which lasted till 1945. It was used on LaGG-3 and Yak-9T fighter planes (mounted between the vee of the engine) and Il-2 ground attack planes (in the underwing pods).
Although the heavy round offered large firepower, the relatively slow rate of fire and heavy recoil made hitting targets difficult. Pilots were trained to fire short bursts, still on light planes only first shot was truly aimed. Additionally, penetration of medium and heavy tanks' top armour was possible only at high angles (above 40 degrees), which was hard to achieve in battle conditions. For these reasons it was soon replaced by N-37 autocannon, which used lighter 37x155m round.
References
- Koll, Christian (2009). Soviet Cannon - A Comprehensive Study of Soviet Arms and Ammunition in Calibres 12.7mm to 57mm. Austria: Koll. p. 355. ISBN 978-3-200-01445-9.
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