Ho-5 cannon

The Ho-5 (Army Type 2) was a Japanese aircraft autocannon used during World War II. Developed from the Ho-103 machine gun, it was a version of the American Model 1921 Browning aircraft machine gun. It replaced the Ho-1 and Ho-3 (Army Type 97) in general service. The Ho-5 was belt-fed using typical Browning-style steel disintegrating links. The cartridge used was a shortened version of the Allied 20 x 110mm Hispano-Suiza HS.404.

Ho-05 cannon
Type-97 (top), Ho-103 (middle), Ho-05 cannon (bottom) in Royal Thai Air Force Museum.
TypeAircraft autocannon
Place of originEmpire of Japan
Service history
Used byImperial Japanese Army Air Service
Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service
WarsWorld War II
Specifications
Mass37 kg (82 lb)
Length1,444 mm (56.9 in)
Barrel length900 mm (35 in)

Cartridge20×94mm
Calibre20 mm (0.79 in)
ActionShort recoil-operated
Rate of fireEarly version: 820 rounds/min
Later version: 700-750 rounds/min
500 rounds/min (synchronized)
Muzzle velocity735 m/s (2,410 ft/s)
Feed system150-round Belt

The Ho-5 was used mostly as wing mounts in late-war fighters, but saw limited use as cowl mounted in fighters and as flexible mounted (retrofit) in bombers.

Specifications

  • Caliber: 20mm (0.8 in)
  • Ammunition: 20 x 94 (84.5 g)
  • Weight: 37 kg (77 lb)
  • Rate of fire: 750 rounds/min
  • Muzzle velocity: 750 m/s (2,460 ft/s)
  • Magazine: 150-round belt

See also

References

  • Gunston, Bill "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Combat Aircraft of World War II" Salamander Books, Ltd. 1978 ISBN 0-89673-000-X
  • 20 mm Aircraft Cannon Ho 5 (Browning Principle)
  • Japanese Ammunition
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