Shipunov 2A42

{{Short description|Soviet autocannon}} {{About|the autocannon|modular one-man turret that utilises it|2A42 Cobra}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}} {{Infobox weapon |name = Shipunov 2A42 |image = Autocanon 2A42 on the Mi28N heli.JPG |image_size = 300 |caption = 2А42 on the Mil Mi-28N helicopter |origin = Soviet Union |type = Autocannon  |is_ranged = yes |is_artillery = |is_UK =  |service = 1980–present |used_by = Russia |wars =  |designer = KBP |design_date = 1970s |manufacturer = Tulamashzavod |unit_cost = |production_date = 1980 |number = |variants = 2А72  |spec_label = |weight = {{convert|115|kg|lb}} |length = {{convert|3.027|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |part_length = {{convert|2416|mm|in}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ztsspecial.sk/de/spezialproduktion/30-mm-automatic-gun-2a42|title=30 mm automatic gun 2A42|website=ztsspecial.sk}}</ref> |width = |height = |diameter = |crew = |passengers =  |cartridge = 30x165 mm |cartridge_weight = |caliber = 30 mm |barrels = 1 |action = Gas-operated |rate = 200–300 rds/min (low) <br />550–800 rds/min (high)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.minotor-service.com/en/2a42-30mm-cannon.html|title=2A42 30mm Automatic Cannon – Minotor-Service, Minsk, Belarus|website=minotor-service.com|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=2 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202214214/http://www.minotor-service.com/en/2a42-30mm-cannon.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |velocity = {{convert|960|m/s|ft/s}} |range = {{convert|2000|m|yd}} (AP-T) |max_range = {{convert|4000|m|yd}} (HEI) |feed = Twin feed |sights = }}

The '''Shipunov 2A42''' is a Soviet/Russian 30 mm autocannon. It is built by the Tulamashzavod Joint Stock Company and named after {{ill|A. G. Shipunov|ru|Шипунов, Аркадий Георгиевич}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://weaponsystems.net/weaponsystem/II04+-+2A42.html|title=30mm Shipunov 2A42|website=Weaponsystems.net}}</ref>

==Design== The 30 mm 2A42 autocannon was developed as a replacement for 2A28 Grom and has a dual feed. One is for HE-T and the other for AP-T rounds. The gunner can select one of two rates of full automatic fire, low at 200 to 300 rds/min and high at 550 to 800 rds/min.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kbptula.ru/ru/razrabotki-kbp/strelkovo-pushechnoe-i-granatometnoe-vooruzhenie/pushechnoe-vooruzhenie/2a42|title=ОАО "Конструкторское бюро приборостроения" – 2А42|website=kbptula.ru|access-date=11 January 2015|archive-date=7 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207054947/http://www.kbptula.ru/ru/razrabotki-kbp/strelkovo-pushechnoe-i-granatometnoe-vooruzhenie/pushechnoe-vooruzhenie/2a42|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to the manufacturer, effective range when engaging ground targets such as light armoured vehicles is {{convert|1,500|m|abbr=on}} while soft-skinned targets can be engaged out to {{convert|4,000|m|abbr=on}}. Air targets can be engaged flying at low altitudes of up to {{convert|2,000|m|abbr=on}} at subsonic speeds, and up to a slant range of {{convert|2,500|m|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=30-mm AUTOMATIC GUN 2A42 |url=http://www.tulamash.ru/en/prod_2a42.htm |access-date=2015-01-11 |website=Tulamashzavod |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020203914/http://www.tulamash.ru/en/prod_2a42.htm |archive-date=20 October 2014}}</ref> In addition to being installed in a two-person turret on the BMP-2 mechanised infantry combat vehicle, this gun is also fitted in the BMD-2 airborne combat vehicle, BMD-3 airborne combat vehicle and BTR-90 (or GAZ-5923) (8 × 8) armoured personnel carrier. A small number of these have now entered service. More recently, the 30 mm 2A42 cannon has been installed in a new turret and fitted onto the roof of the BTR-T heavy armoured personnel carrier based on a modified T-54/T-55 MBT chassis. The cannon is also the main armament of BMPT (Tank Support Fighting Vehicle). It is also used for various armament projects from various manufacturers. The design bureau for the 30 mm 2A42 cannon is the KBP Instrument Design Bureau.

The 2A42 autocannon has also been used on the BMPT and Bumerang-BM, and on unmanned remote controlled weapon station turrets on the new Russian infantry fighting vehicles including the Kurganets-25, VPK-7829 Bumerang, and T-15 Armata.

==Variants== * '''2A42''' – standard version. ** '''ZTM-2''' – Ukrainian production<ref>{{cite web|url=https://armyrecognition.com/arms_and_security_2017_online_show_daily_news/strazh_new_ukrainian_bmpt_fire_support_vehicle_based_on_t-64_mbt.html|title=Strazh new Ukrainian BMPT fire support vehicle based on T-64 MBT|date=27 October 2017 |access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref> ** '''GTS-30''', '''GTS-30/A''' – Slovak production with a different muzzle brake<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ztsspecial.sk/en/special-production/30-mm-automatic-gun-2a42-gts-30|title=30 mm automatic gun 2A42 / GTS-30|access-date=25 February 2024}}</ref> ** '''GTS-30/N''' – Slovak version adapted to 30x173mm NATO * '''2A72''' – lighter simplified variant with a lower number of parts, a longer barrel, and higher muzzle velocity, but also a lower rate of fire. It is long recoil-operated, not gas-operated. ** '''ABM-M30M3''' – remote Weapon Station made by Impulse-2, for Uran-9 or different armored vehicles. ** '''ABM-M30M3 Vikhr''' – another remote weapon station made by Impulse-2. ** '''TRT-30''' – remote weapon station.<ref name="Jane's 360">{{cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/article/83909/rg31-gets-trt-30-weapon-system |title=RG31 gets TRT-30 weapon system |publisher=Jane's 360 }}</ref> ** '''ZPT-99''' – In the 1990s, the People's Republic of China imported BMP-3 weapon systems technology, and then they re-introduced the cannon. The Chinese production model of 2A72 was named ZPT-99. It was widely used by Chinese armored fighting vehicles.<ref name="30 mm 2A72| Weaponsystems.net">{{cite web |url=https://weaponsystems.net/system/534-30mm+2A72%2030mm%202A72|title=30 mm 2A72|publisher=Weaponsystems.net}}</ref> ** '''ZTM-1''', '''KBA-2''' – Ukrainian production<ref name="30 mm 2A72| Weaponsystems.net"/>

==Ammunition== The 2A42 fires 30×165mm ammunition, a cartridge introduced in the 1970s in the Soviet Union to replace previous 30 mm autocannon cartridges. Other weapons using this size of cartridge case include the 2A38, 2A38M, and 2A72 autocannons for various vehicle, helicopter and air defence applications, as well as numerous single-, dual- and six-barrel naval and air force cannons. The 2A42, 2A38, 2A38M, and 2A72 fire percussion-primed ammunition; the naval and aerial cannons use electrical priming, and therefore their ammunition is not interchangeable with the land-based ammunition types, despite the same cartridge case size.<ref name="janes">''Jane's Ammunition Handbook 2009'', "Cannon – 20 to 30 mm cannon."</ref><ref name="AWilliams">{{Cite web|url=http://www.quarryhs.co.uk/30mm%20cannon.htm|title=An introduction to collecting 30 mm cannon ammunition|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-date=13 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813111149/https://www.quarryhs.co.uk/30mm%20cannon.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Originally three basic types of ammunition were developed in the Soviet Union for the land-based weapons: high-explosive incendiary, high-explosive fragmentation with tracer, and an armour-piercing ballistic capped with tracer. Later a sub-caliber armour-piercing round was introduced, and today also countries other than Soviet Union/Russia manufacture 30x165 mm percussion-prime ammunition. The main types of ammunition are summarized in the table below:

{|class="wikitable" |- ! Designation ! Type ! Projectile weight (g) ! Bursting charge (g) ! Muzzle velocity (m/s) ! Notes ! Penetration |- | 3UOF8<ref name="rosoboronexport">{{Cite web|url=http://www.military-discussion.com/files/land_forces.pdf|title=Land Forces Weapons|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-date=14 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914173410/http://www.military-discussion.com/files/land_forces.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> || HEI || align="center" | {{convert|389|g|abbr=on}} | align="center" | {{convert|49|g|abbr=on}} A-IX-2 | align="center" | {{convert|960|m/s|abbr=on}}|| A high-explosive incendiary round with A-670M nose fuze.<ref name="rusammo">"Russian Ammunition Page, http://www.russianammo.org</ref> The fuze produces a 0.15 millisecond delay on impact, and a self-destruct mechanism detonating the projectile after 7.5 to 14.5 seconds of flight ({{convert|3,900|to|5,000|m|abbr=on}} distance from muzzle).<ref name="janes" /> | N/A |- | 3UOR6<ref name="rosoboronexport" /> || HE-T || align="center" | {{convert|385|g|abbr=on}} | align="center" | {{convert|11.5|g|abbr=on}} A-IX-2 | align="center" | {{convert|960|m/s|abbr=on}} || Nose-fuzed high-explosive fragmentation tracer round, utilizing the same A-670M impact/self-destruct fuze as the 3UOF8. Tracer burn time 14 seconds. | N/A |- | 3UBR6<ref name="rosoboronexport" /> || APBC-T || align="center" | {{convert|400|g|abbr=on}} | align="center" | none | align="center" | {{convert|970|m/s|abbr=on}} || Solid shot with blunt penetrator covered by a hollow windshield cap.<ref name="rusammo" /> Tracer burn time 3.5 seconds. | 20mm RHA at 60 degree impact, {{convert|700|m|abbr=on}} range; {{convert|22|mm|abbr=on}} RHA at 60 degree impact, {{convert|500|m|abbr=on}} range<ref>[arsenal-bg.com/c/30x165-mm-rounds-for-automatic-guns-2a38-2a42-and-2a72-137/rapit-capap-t-199 JSC Arsenal AD website.] Retrieved 04/17/2023.</ref> |- | 3UBR8<ref name="rosoboronexport" /> || APDS || align="center" | {{convert|304|g|abbr=on}} | align="center" | none | align="center" | 1120 || A sub-caliber discarding sabot. No tracer. | {{convert|25|mm|abbr=on}} RHA at 60 degree impact, {{convert|1,500|m|abbr=on}} |- | 3UBR10<ref name="30 mm rounds">{{Cite web| title=30 mm rounds for small-caliber automatic guns of Ground Troops | format=JPG | url=https://i.imgur.com/NZa83Od.jpg | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808141130/https://i.imgur.com/NZa83Od.jpg | archive-date=2021-08-08}}</ref> || APBC-T || align="center" | {{convert|398|g|abbr=on}} | align="center" | none | align="center" | {{convert|970|m/s|abbr=on}} || A development of 3UBR6 with plastic driving band for reduced barrel wear. Expected to enter service in 2020 | {{convert|20|mm|abbr=on}} RHA at 60 degree impact, {{convert|700|m|abbr=on}} |- | 3UBR11<ref name="30 mm rounds"/> || APFSDS-T || align="center" | | align="center" | none | align="center" | || Modern APFSDS round, developed late 2010s. Production and service status unknown. 1.5 second tracer burn. | Unknown |- | M929<ref>https://www.nexter-group.fr/images/catalogues/nexter_catalogue_munitions_2016_en.pdf {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>|| APFSDS-T || align="center" | {{convert|235|g|abbr=on}} | align="center" | none | align="center" | {{convert|1,260|m/s|abbr=on}} || A sub-caliber fin-stabilized discarding sabot round with tracer from Belgian Mecar, with tungsten alloy penetrator. | More than {{convert|50|mm|abbr=on}} RHA at 60 degree impact, {{convert|1,000|m|abbr=on}} |}

Airburst munitions for Russian 30mm and 57mm autocannons are in development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/russia-military-terminator-will-get-new-smart-weapons-989577|title=Russia's military built a "Terminator" and now it's getting smart weapons|date=21 June 2018|website=Newsweek}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://tass.com/defense/941885 |title=Russia to develop anti-drone shrapnel ammunition |agency=TASS }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/august_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/uvz_to_unveil_modernized_bmp-1_with_2a72_cannon_at_army_2018.html|title=UVZ to unveil modernized BMP-1 with 2A72 cannon at Army 2018 | August 2018 Global Defense Security army news industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2018 | Archive News year|website=www.armyrecognition.com|date=16 August 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jqknews.com/news/64090-Russia_has_developed_low_cost_programmable_air_explosive_ammunition_that_can_be_detonated_by_laser_remote_control.html |title=Russia has developed low cost programmable air explosive ammunition that can be detonated by laser remote control. | jqknews |access-date=27 November 2018 |archive-date=28 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128075235/https://www.jqknews.com/news/64090-Russia_has_developed_low_cost_programmable_air_explosive_ammunition_that_can_be_detonated_by_laser_remote_control.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Platforms== thumb|Czechoslovak-built BMP-2 in service with the Czech army in Afghanistan, September 2010. [[File:APC Volat V2 - combat turret (4).jpg|thumb|Turret of Belarusian-made Volat V2 APC, 2021.]] The autocannon has been used since the 1980s on the following platforms:

;Infantry fighting vehicles * 2T Stalker * MT-LBM 6MB * BMP-1AM (2A72) * BMP-2 * BMP-3 (2A72) * BMD-2 * BMD-3 * BMD-4 (2A72) * BTR-3 (2A72) * BTR-4 (2A72) * BTR-80A (2A72) * BTR-82A (2A72) * BTR-87 * BTR-90 * BTR-T * GAZ Vodnik with BPPU module (2A72) * BPsVI/BVP-M * BMPT * Fahd 280-30 * Boragh * T-15 Armata * VPK-7829 Bumerang * Kurganets-25 * Lazar 3 * Makran IFV * Scorpion IFV (2A72) * Toros * Tosan IFV * {{ill|Volat V2|be}} * ZBD-86A (2A72) * ZSL-92B (2A72) * ZBD-03 (2A72) * ZBD-04 (2A72) * ZBD-05 (2A72) * ZBL-08 (2A72)

; MRAPs * K-4386 Typhoon-VDV<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/new_k-4386_typhoon-vdv_4x4_armoured_field_tested_by_russian_army.html |title=New K-4386 Typhoon-VDV 4x4 armoured field tested by Russian army |website=www.armyrecognition.com}}</ref>

; Unmanned ground vehicles * Bars BRShM (2A72) * Uran-9 (2A72)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/article/83252/russia-upgrades-uran-9-combat-ugv |title=Russia upgrades Uran-9 combat UGV |publisher=Jane's 360 }}</ref> * UDAR UGV * Vikhr UGV (2A72)

;Attack helicopters * Mil Mi-28 * Kamov Ka-29TB * Kamov Ka-50 * Kamov Ka-52 '''Towed''' * 2A42 gun fitted on D-44 gun carriage [https://x.com/i/status/1891375829071876243]

==Similar 30mm autocannons== The 2A72 30mm autocannon, designed by KBP Instrument Design Bureau, is a lighter, less complex cousin of the 2A42, with a longer barrel. While the latter has 578 parts, 2A72 has only 349 parts, allowing it to weigh only 84 kg (with 36 kg barrel). 2A72 uses long recoil principle, resulting in lower recoil (7t instead of 20), but lower rate of fire (300-330 instead of 550). 2A72 is used in: * '''BMP-3''' – mounted in between 2A70 100 mm gun/launcher and PKT coaxial MG * '''ABM-M30M3''' – remote Weapon Station made by Impulse-2, for Uran-9 or different armored vehicles. * '''ABM-M30M3 Vikhr''' – another remote weapon station made by Impulse-2. * '''TRT-30''' – remote weapon station.<ref name="Jane's 360"/>

The 2A38 and 2A38M are 30mm twin-barrel autocannons, Gast-type. They are mainly used on air defense vehicles like 2K22 Tunguska and Pantsir-S1. It weighs 195 kg and has a maximum rate of fire of 2500 rd/min.

The Ordnance Factory Medak in India has developed the Medak gun{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} and CRN 91 Naval Gun out of this platform.

==Users== '''Current operators''' * {{flag|Algeria}} * {{flag|China}}<ref name="30 mm 2A72| Weaponsystems.net"/> * {{flag|Czech Republic}} * {{flag|Egypt}} * {{flag|Finland}} * {{Flag|India}} * {{flag|Iraq}} * {{flag|Iran}} * {{flag|Russian Federation}} * {{flag|Serbia}} * {{flag|Slovakia}} * {{flag|Syria}} * {{flag|Ukraine}} * {{Flag|Viet Nam}} '''Former operators''' * {{flag|Soviet Union}} * {{flag|Czechoslovakia}}

==References== ;Notes {{Reflist}} ;Bibliography * {{cite book | last = Koll | first = Christian | title = Soviet Cannon – A Comprehensive Study of Soviet Arms and Ammunition in Calibres 12.7mm to 57mm | publisher = Koll | year = 2009 | location = Austria | isbn = 978-3-200-01445-9 | page = 271 }}

==External links== {{Commons category|2A42 30 mm autocannon|30 mm automatic cannon 2A42}} * [http://www.kbptula.ru/index.php/en/productions/small-arms-guns-grenade-launchers/guns-machine-guns/2a42 2A42 automatic cannon on KBP's official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227024016/http://www.kbptula.ru/index.php/en/productions/small-arms-guns-grenade-launchers/guns-machine-guns/2a42 |date=27 December 2016 }} * [http://www.tulamash.ru/catalog/31 2A42 automatic cannon on Tulamashzavod's official website]{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Category:30 mm artillery Category:Autocannons of the Soviet Union Category:Vehicle-mounted weapons Category:Cold War weapons of the Soviet Union Category:KBP Instrument Design Bureau products Category:Tulamashzavod products Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1980s