Description
20mm M24A1 Rear Sleeve Bearing — P/N 7226775 — NSN 3120-00-722-6775
Item Overview
This military-surplus rear sleeve bearing was used inside the recoil housing of the 20mm M24A1 automatic aircraft gun. It acted as the short rear guide for the gun tube as the weapon moved through recoil and counter-recoil. The official supply name is “BEARING, SLEEVE.” This is a solid steel component and is not made from rubber.
Identification and Features
The part number, cross-reference, material, finish, and dimensions match the item recorded under NSN 3120-00-722-6775. Its flanged body provided a stable mounting surface while its smooth center bore guided the moving gun tube.
- Official name: Bearing, Sleeve
- Part number: 7226775 / 722-6775
- Cross-reference: P/N 2838541
- NSN: 3120-00-722-6775
- Federal Supply Class: 3120, unmounted plain bearings
- Material: 1045 steel
- Finish: Phosphate
- Approximate bore: 2.008"
- Approximate body diameter: 2.184"
- Approximate flange diameter: 2.62"
- Approximate overall length: 1.50"
- Weapon application: 20mm M24A1 automatic aircraft gun
- Installation: Rear guide inside the recoil housing
How the Sleeve Bearing Worked
During firing, the M24A1 gun tube and other recoiling parts moved rearward before returning to the firing position. This sleeve bearing supported and aligned the rear section of the gun tube throughout that movement. Its smooth bore provided a controlled sliding surface, while the flange helped locate and retain the bearing within the recoil housing. This reduced direct wear between larger gun components and helped maintain proper alignment.
Weapon Applications
The M24A1 was an air-cooled aircraft cannon that combined gas operation with blowback action. It fired electrically primed fixed ammunition and could be installed in fixed wing or fuselage mounts and in flexible aircraft turrets. The gun could be configured for right-hand or left-hand ammunition feed to suit different aircraft installations. This bearing should not be assumed to fit another 20mm cannon unless the part number and dimensions match.
Historical Background
The M24 series was developed from earlier American 20mm aircraft cannon designs as military aviation moved from World War II aircraft into the early jet age. The M24A1 included improvements to the gas system, receiver, barrel, bolt-retaining system, and driving springs. The weapon had a normal cyclic rate of about 700 to 800 rounds per minute, depending on its installation. TM 9-2006, published in April 1953, covered the operation and maintenance of the M24, M24A1, and M24E2 automatic gun systems, including the M24A1 recoil housing.
Condition
This is a military-surplus steel bearing. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item. This listing is for one sleeve bearing only; the M24A1 cannon, recoil housing, gun tube, cradle, feed mechanism, mounting hardware, and other components are not included unless specifically pictured or stated.
Ideal For
This original component is well suited for collections, restoration projects, and educational exhibits covering American aircraft cannon development and early Cold War aviation.
- 20mm M24A1 cannon collections
- Aircraft armament restoration projects
- Early Cold War aviation exhibits
- Military bearing and gun-component research
- Aircraft weapons museums
- Technical training displays
Approx length 1.5", Approx width 2.62", Approx height 2.62", Approx weight 0.4lbs.
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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