Oerlikon 35 mm Twin gun Skyguard anti-aircraft defence system
 
 
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Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon GDF-001 GDF-003 GDF-005 GDF-007 technical data sheet specifications description information intelligence pictures photos images video German Germany Defence Industry military technology anti-aircraft air defence system
 
Description
The Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon is a towed anti-aircraft gun made by Oerlikon Contraves (renamed as Rheinmetall Air Defence AG following the merger with Rheinmetall in 2009). This twin-barrel 35mm gun has a Fire Control Unit Skyguard that detects and tracks air targets up to 20 km and computes firing data. The first prototype of this was completed in 1959 under the designation 1 ZLA/353 MK, which was renamed GDF-1. In 1980, the GDF-002 model was introduced. More than 2,000 guns were produced and sold in approximately 30 countries. In 1980, The Oerlikon 35 mm GDF-002 automatic anti-aircraft gun is used primarily as an anti-aircraft weapon but can also be applied against ground targets. In May 1985, the GDF-005 was introduced. This is an overall improvement of the GDF-001/2/3 and the earlier models can be modified to the GDF-005 standard by the use of combat improvement kits supplied by Oerlikon Contraves. The GDF-005 features a new autonomous gun sighting system, an onboard power supply system, an automatic reload, and other improvements. Later, the GDF-005 was upgraded with an AHEAD system and named GDF-007. AHEAD technology, developed by Oerlikon Contraves improves the capability of air defense guns to engage and destroy aerial targets, from large aircraft to small targets such as missiles or PGMs (Precision-Guided Munition ). With the addition of AHEAD modernization, existing Skyguard is fitted with the fire control sub-systems which enable the system to be operated as a stand-alone gun or in a "fire unit network", separated up to three kilometers from each other.
 
Main Variants
- GDF-001: first version
- GDF-002: which featured an improved sight, and the ability to be directed by an off-gun digital control system.
- GDF-003: similar to GDF-002, but included some enhancements like self-lubricating weapons and integrated protective covers.
- GDF-005: has several overall improvements that can be retrofitted to existing GDF versions using modification kits. One of the main improvements is the fitting of the Gunking 3-D autonomous computer-controlled optronic sighting system, which eliminates the need for the gunner to estimate target parameters.
- GDF-007: upgrade of GDF-005 with AHEAD system.
 
Technical Data
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Cannon
The Oerlikon twin-gun uses 35 mm autocannons, which were originally designated 353 MK and are now designated as the KD series. The same KD series 35 mm cannons are used in the Leopard tank-based Gepard and T-55 based Marksman self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. The cannon is mounted to a cradle, with the upper mount determining the traverse of the guns, which is in the pivot bearing of the lower mount. The upper mount platform supports the auxiliary aiming equipment, the seats for the crew, and both 63-round reloading containers. The guns have a maximum elevation speed of 56º/s and a maximum traverse speed of 112º/s. The Oerlikon 35mm gun is able to fire 1100 rds/min.
Ammunition
The ammunition containers are on each side of the cradle and rotate with it. Each fully loaded ammunition container holds 56 rounds. The ammunition is reloaded in seven-round clips from the reloading container and passed through the upper mount trunnions to the cannon.
Mobility
The cradle is designed to carry both guns and is on the elevation axis. It contains the hydro-mechanical recoil mechanism, which absorbs the recoil forces. The ammunition containers are on each side of the cradle and rotate with it. The lower part of the cradle comprises the two-axle chassis and the outriggers with the leveling spindles for three-point support in the firing positions. Raising and lowering the leveling spindles and raising the wheels are done electro-hydraulically or manually in the case of power failure. The whole Oerlikon 35mm twin-barrel is generally towed by a 5 tonnes 6 x 6 military truck.
Accessories
The sighting equipment consists of an MBDA sight Type GSA Mark 3, a ground target sight mounted on the MBDA sight housing, and an optical alignment sight. The target range is the only parameter to be adjusted in action on the MBDA sight.
Combat use
A typical battery of GDF would consist of two 35 mm anti-aircraft twin guns, each with a power supply unit and fire control unit. The guns are controlled by a single Skyguard fire control radar. During a regular mission, the 35 mm guns are controlled by a fire control unit, but they also can be operated in local mode by the gunner and the two gun loaders, where the gunner is using a joystick for control and a sight for aiming. A crew of three or in 2 minutes 30 seconds can bring the weapon into the firing position in 1 minute 30 seconds by one. A hand pump is also fitted and when it is used the weapon can be brought into action in 5 minutes.
 
Specifications
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Armament
Tow barrels of 35mm
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Country users
Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Brazil, Cameroon, canada, Chile, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, Greece, Germany, Iran, japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.
Designer Country
Germany - Switzerland
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Accessories
Infrared night vision, NBC protection system.
Crew
3
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Ammunition
HEI-T, HEI, HEI (BF), SAPHEI-T, FAPDS, TP-T/TP, AHEAD
Weight
6,700 kg travel order with ammunition and accessories
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Traverse / Elevation
Traverse: 360°
Elevation: +92°/-50°
Range of fire
4,000 m
Dimensions
Length, 7.8 m traveling; 8.83 m firing
Width, 2.26 m traveling; 4.49 m firing
Height, 2.6 m traveling; 1.72 m firing
 
Details View
 
Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon GDF-001 GDF-003 GDF-005 GDF-007 technical data sheet specifications description information intelligence pictures photos images video German Germany Defence Industry military technology anti-aircraft air defence system
 
Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon GDF-001 GDF-003 GDF-005 GDF-007 technical data sheet specifications description information intelligence pictures photos images video German Germany Defence Industry military technology anti-aircraft air defence system
Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon GDF-001 GDF-003 GDF-005 GDF-007 technical data sheet specifications description information intelligence pictures photos images video German Germany Defence Industry military technology anti-aircraft air defence system
   
Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon GDF-001 GDF-003 GDF-005 GDF-007 technical data sheet specifications description information intelligence pictures photos images video German Germany Defence Industry military technology anti-aircraft air defence system Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon GDF-001 GDF-003 GDF-005 GDF-007 technical data sheet specifications description information intelligence pictures photos images video German Germany Defence Industry military technology anti-aircraft air defence system
 
Pictures - Video
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