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The Mk 108 30mm Cannon

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The Mk 108, manufactured by  Rheinmetall-Borsig, was one of the most feared weapons by Allied airmen.  Known as the "pneumatic hammer" because of its monotonous firing noise, the Mk 108 had a rate of fire of 650 r/min with a muzzle velocity of approx. 525 meters (1700 ft) / min.  The huge cartridges (shown at right) were either high explosive (a) or incendiary (b).  It took but few hits to down or cripple even the largest of Allied aircraft.

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Overall length:205 mm  (8.07 in)
Shell length: 144mm (5.67 in)

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