Description
20mm M24A1 Gas-Cylinder Bracket Key, B-7771536
Item Overview
This U.S. military gas-cylinder bracket key was made for the 20mm Automatic Gun M24A1. The small steel key helped secure the gas-cylinder bracket to the gun tube. Its unusual shape matches the component illustrated in the official M24A1 technical manual. This is an internal mechanical gun part, not ammunition or a breechblock-locking key.
Identification and Features
The wrapper and military manual provide a firm identification for this early Cold War aircraft-cannon component.
- Component: Gas-cylinder bracket key
- Weapon: 20mm Automatic Gun M24A1
- Drawing number: B-7771536
- Ordnance stock number: A-73-7771536
- Catalog group: A-73 Standard Nomenclature List
- Manufacturer: Manzel
- Contract: DA-30-144-ORD-1926
- Package date: October 1951
- Manual reference: TM 9-2006/TO 39A-5BA-4, Figures 9 and 123
- Status: Military-surplus mechanical component
How the Key Worked
The key fitted around the gas-cylinder bracket screw and engaged the slotted bracket nut. Together with the screw, nut, and cotter pin, it held the bracket in position on the gun tube. The M24A1 bracket supported part of the improved gas system and included an integral metering device. Keeping this assembly properly positioned was important for dependable operation of the cannon.
Installation and Armorer Use
The Army manual directed armorers to insert the key upside down while tightening the bracket nut. After the nut was secure, the key was removed, turned over, and installed in its normal locking position. The screw nut and cotter pin were then fitted. This procedure allowed the same part to assist with tightening and serve as a locking device after assembly.
M24A1 Weapon History
The M24 family was developed from earlier American 20mm aircraft-cannon designs and entered service during the early Cold War. The M24A1 was an air-cooled weapon that used both gas operation and blowback action. It fired electrically primed fixed ammunition and could be arranged for right-hand or left-hand feeding. Its normal cyclic rate was about 700 to 800 rounds per minute, although some aircraft installations controlled the rate differently. The M24A1 introduced an improved gas-cylinder system and other changes intended to increase reliability.
Aircraft Applications and Service
M24-series guns could be mounted in aircraft wings, fuselages, nose installations, and powered turrets. The M24A1 armed early Northrop F-89 Scorpion interceptors and was used in the tail of the Boeing B-47 Stratojet. Related M24 cannons also equipped the remote defensive turrets of the Convair B-36 Peacemaker. These weapons served during the 1950s as part of American air-defense and strategic-bomber forces. This key configuration is specifically documented for the M24A1; the original M24 and the M24E2 used different gas-cylinder-bracket arrangements.
Condition
This is an original military-surplus component that may show oxidation, finish wear, dried preservative, scratches, discoloration, or storage marks. Any surviving wrapper may have stains, tears, faded printing, or other signs of age. The package wording “20 MM-M-24” refers broadly to the M24 weapon family. This listing is for one gas-cylinder bracket key unless otherwise stated; the cannon and surrounding parts are not included. The one you will receive will be NOS in the original packaging and will be in better condition that what is shown in the photos (will not have rust).
Ideal For
This uncommon internal component is well suited for displays and research covering early Cold War aircraft armament and the development of American 20mm automatic guns.
- M24A1 aircraft-cannon collections
- Early Cold War aviation displays
- F-89 Scorpion and B-47 Stratojet exhibits
- Military armorer-tool and component collections
- Aircraft-gun restoration references
- Museum and educational displays
Approx length 1", Approx width 0.1", Approx height 0.1", Approx weight 0.1lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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