Understanding Coaxial Guns: Definition, Types and Significance

The term "coaxial" in the context of military vehicles often brings to mind a specific configuration of weapons aboard tanks and armored vehicles. Coaxial guns are an integral part of modern military vehicles, offering a unique combination of firepower and efficiency. This article delves into the definition, types, and significance of coaxial guns in military applications.

What are Coaxial Guns?

Coaxial means aligned or sharing the same axis. In simpler terms, a coaxial gun is a weapon mounted in such a way that its barrel shares the same axis as another weapon. This configuration is particularly advantageous in military vehicles, where it allows for coordinated and efficient firing.

Practical Application

Tanks and certain armored vehicles typically feature a main gun, which is the primary weapon. Coaxial guns are mounted alongside the main gun, but share the same pointing direction, making them highly effective and convenient for soldiers defending the vehicle from threats above or within close range.

Historical Context and Examples

A notable example is the M4 medium tank of World War II, which featured a 75mm main gun in the turret and a smaller .30-cal coaxial machine gun mounted beside it. The smaller machine gun would always point in the same direction as the main gun, providing an additional layer of defense against infantry and other close-range threats.

The Best Coaxial Guns: An In-Depth Look

The BMD-4 is a standout example of a vehicle equipped with coaxial guns, not just one, but two. The larger cannon is a 100mm 2A70 rifled cannon, which serves as the main armament of the BMD-4. This cannon, along with the coaxial 30mm 2A72 autocannon, demonstrates the advanced integration of weaponry in modern armored vehicles.

Why the BMD-4 is Considered the Best: Weight and Payload: The BMD-4, at 15 tons, is comparably lightweight for its capabilities, yet it packs a powerful 100mm cannon as a main gun. Multi-Role Capabilities: The inclusion of a 30mm coaxial cannon significantly enhances the vehicle's defensive and offensive capabilities, offering a versatile solution for various combat scenarios. Efficiency: The coaxial setup ensures that both the main and secondary weapons can be used in unison, without the need to adjust the main gun's direction.

In comparison to other similarly sized armored vehicles, such as the LAV-25, which weighs 14.11 tons and mounts a 25mm main gun, the BMD-4 stands out for its superior armament. The 30mm coaxial cannon of the BMD-4 is actually larger than the main armament of the LAV-25, making it a highly effective defensive and offensive weapon.

Conclusion

Coaxial guns represent a significant advancement in military vehicle design, offering a compact yet powerful solution for defense and offensive operations. The BMD-4, with its innovative coaxial setup, exemplifies the best in this field, combining weight efficiency with robust firepower. Understanding coaxial guns is crucial for anyone studying military technology, and their significance in current and future armored vehicle design cannot be overstated.

For more information on military equipment and technology, stay tuned for our upcoming articles on this and related topics.