What Is the MK 108 and Who Designed and Produced It?
The MK 108 was a German autocannon used during World War II, primarily employed in aircraft for air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements. It was designed by Rheinmetall-Borsig and manufactured by various German companies, including Mauser and Rheinmetall.
Armament Specifications
- Caliber: 30mm
- Type: Autocannon
- Weight: Approximately 115 kg (253 lb)
- Length: 1,380 mm (54.3 in)
- Barrel Length: 900 mm (35.4 in)
- Effective Range: Up to 600 meters (1,970 ft)
- Rate of Fire: Approximately 650-700 rounds per minute
- Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 540-560 m/s (1,770-1,840 ft/s)
- Feed System: Drum or belt-fed, typically using 30-round drum magazines or 50-round belts
- Operating Principle: Short-recoil operation
- Manufacturer: Rheinmetall-Borsig, Mauser, various German companies
Aircraft That Used This Gun
The MG 131 was utilized on various German aircraft throughout World War II. Some of the notable aircraft that were equipped with the MG 131 included:
- Messerschmitt Bf 109: One of the most famous German fighter aircraft of the war, the Bf 109 commonly featured the MG 131 as its primary armament.
- Focke-Wulf Fw 190: Another iconic German fighter, the Fw 190 often carried the MG 131 in its wing-mounted armament.
- Messerschmitt Me 262: The revolutionary Me 262 jet fighter utilized MK 108 cannons as its primary armament, providing devastating firepower against Allied aircraft during interception missions.
- Heinkel He 162: The He 162 Volksjäger, a late-war German jet fighter, was armed with MK 108 cannons for its air defense role, although production numbers were limited, and it saw only limited combat.
Heinkel He 162 “Volksjäger”
The Heinkel He 162 or Volksjäger was a German single-engine jet-powered fighter aircraft developed during the latter stages of World War II.
Messerschmitt Me 262 Sturmvogel
The Messerschmitt Me 262 Sturmvogel is a fighter bomber aircraft and the world’s first jet-powered fighter aircraft.
Focke-Wulf Fw 190
The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 was a German single-seat, single-engine fighter aircraft and the backbone of the Jagdwaffe of the Luftwaffe.
Messerschmitt Bf 109
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 is a German fighter aircraft and the backbone of the Luftwaffe’s force during World War II.
A Short History of the MK 108
Development of the MK 108 began in the early 1940s in response to the need for a lightweight, high-velocity cannon capable of delivering significant firepower to aircraft targets. The MK 108 was designed as a 30mm caliber autocannon, utilizing a unique “short-recoil” operation system to reduce its size and weight.
Introduced into service in 1943, the MK 108 quickly gained a reputation for its destructive power and effectiveness against enemy aircraft. Its high rate of fire and potent 30mm ammunition made it particularly lethal in air combat situations, capable of downing enemy planes with just a few hits.
Despite its effectiveness, the MK 108 faced some challenges, including issues with accuracy and reliability. However, its devastating firepower and compact design ensured its continued use in various Luftwaffe aircraft until the end of World War II.
