What Is the Hispano-Suiza HS.404 and Who Designed and Produced It?
The Hispano-Suiza HS.404 was a powerful 20mm autocannon designed and manufactured by the Swiss company Hispano-Suiza. It was widely regarded as one of the most effective aircraft cannons of World War II.
The HS.404’s combination of firepower, reliability, and versatility made it a favored weapon among both Allied and Axis air forces during World War II. It remained in service for many years after the war and continued to see use in various applications, solidifying its place in aviation history as one of the iconic aircraft cannons of the 20th century
Armament Specifications
- Caliber: 20mm
- Rate of fire: Approximately 700-750 rounds per minute
- Muzzle velocity: Approximately 840-900 meters per second
- Effective range: Up to 1,000 meters
- Weight: Approximately 42 kilograms (92 pounds)
- Length: Approximately 2.2 meters (7.2 feet)
- Ammunition capacity: Various, typically between 60 to 120 rounds.
Aircraft That Used This Gun
The HS.404 was used in various aircraft of World War II, including:
Arsenal VG.33: The Arsenal VG.33, a French fighter aircraft, typically mounted the HS.404 cannon in the fuselage, firing through the propeller hub. This placement allowed for a concentrated and powerful forward armament, enhancing the aircraft’s offensive capabilities in air-to-air combat.
Morane-Saulnier MS.406: The Morane-Saulnier MS.406, another French fighter, utilized the HS.404 cannon as its main armament. Like the VG.33, the HS.404 was mounted centrally in the fuselage and synchronized to fire through the propeller arc. This configuration provided the MS.406 with a potent offensive punch, allowing it to engage enemy aircraft effectively.
Hawker Hurricane: The Hawker Hurricane, a British fighter, typically carried the HS.404 cannon in wing-mounted pods, located on the outer wings. This arrangement allowed the Hurricane to retain its formidable armament while minimizing the impact on the aircraft’s handling characteristics. The HS.404 cannons complemented the Hurricane’s machine guns, providing additional firepower in combat.
Supermarine Spitfire: Similarly to the Hurricane, the Supermarine Spitfire, another British fighter, also mounted the HS.404 cannon in wing-mounted pods. These pods were typically located in the outer wing sections, alongside the Spitfire’s machine guns. The addition of the HS.404 cannons significantly increased the Spitfire’s firepower, enhancing its effectiveness in air-to-air engagements.
Arsenal VG-33
The Arsenal VG-33 was a fast French light fighter aircraft that was under development at the start of World War II.
Morane-Saulnier M.S.406
The Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 is a French fighter used during the Second World War and France’s most numerous aircraft.
Hawker Hurricane
The Hawker Hurricane was a British single-seat fighter aircraft designed in the 1930s and used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) during WW2.
Supermarine Spitfire
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft used before, during, and after the Second World War by the Royal Air Force and Allied countries.
A Short History of the Hispano-Suiza HS.404
Developed in the late 1930s, the HS.404 was initially designed for use in aircraft as an aircraft-mounted autocannon. It quickly gained a reputation for its reliability, high rate of fire, and destructive power. The HS.404 became a standard armament for many Allied aircraft during World War II.
