Rheinmetall RMK30
RMK30 is a recoilless
autocannon firing
30x230mm caseless ammunition cartridges. The gun was developed by the German company
Mauser, which is now a subsidiary of
Rheinmetall Detec AG. RMK30 is a three-chamber
revolver cannon, the revolver and firing mechanism are driven by an
electric motor, allowing variable rates of fire of up to 300 rounds/min. Part of the propellant gases is ejected to the rear of the cannon compensating the recoil, allowing lightweight and less rigid mounts.
RMK30 cannons have been proposed as upgrade for the
Bundeswehr's (German armed forces)
Tiger UHT attack helicopters. The UHT version currently lacks a gun, since the
Bundeswehr was not happy with the recoil, accurency and the range of the French
GIAT 30mm cannon which is fitted to other Tiger versions.
An unusual study suggests mounting a RMK30 gun in a retractable mast on a
submarine. Such masts would extend the capabilities of
submarines, which currently lack appropriate means to fight small surface targets or just give warning shots.
# see
recoilless rifle for a detailed explanation of the working principle
*
Manufacturer's page
