Artifact Spotlight: 20MM Oerlikon

The 20mm Oerlikon was a Swiss autocannon that had the unusual distinction of being used by both Axis and Allied sides during WWII. Installed aboard U.S. Navy ships in 1942, they replaced the older M2 Browning machine gun, which lacked range and firepower. It became a workhorse in the naval anti-aircraft role, providing effective defense at shorter ranges, while heavier guns had difficulty tracking targets. In this video, Tom Frezza, Director of Education at the National Museum of the United States Navy, talks about the various positions and teamwork used to operate the weapon.

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Видео Artifact Spotlight: 20MM Oerlikon канала Naval History and Heritage