Description
20mm M39 Operating Spring Compression
The 20mm M39 Operating Spring Compression is a compression-type spring associated with the operating mechanism of the M39 automatic aircraft gun. It supplied return force to the gun's operating slide as part of the firing-cycle mechanism.
This is an individual operating spring rather than the M39's separate recoil-spring assembly or a complete automatic gun.
Historical Significance
Developed from the T160 design and standardized as the M39, this 20mm cannon became an important part of early Cold War U.S. Air Force aircraft armament. The M39 was a gas-operated, belt-fed, electrically fired aircraft gun designed around a five-chamber revolving drum.
Contemporary Air Force technical material identifies the operating springs among the M39's principal internal components, separate from the recoil-spring assemblies that controlled movement of the recoiling gun group.
What This Item Is and Does
The 20mm M39 Operating Spring Compression stored energy as the operating slide moved rearward and supplied force for its forward return. The operating slide carried components involved in ammunition ramming, extraction, electrical control, and rotation of the M39's chamber drum.
The component uses a multi-strand coiled construction rather than a single solid wire. Its compression-spring form was suited to the repeated loading and release associated with the operating mechanism.
Key Features
- Product: 20mm M39 Operating Spring Compression
- Associated system: 20mm M39 automatic aircraft gun
- Component type: Operating-system compression spring
- Function: Supplied return force to the operating slide
- Visible configuration: Multi-strand coiled spring construction
- System distinction: Separate from the gun's recoil-spring assemblies
- Scope: Individual spring only; not a complete operating assembly or automatic gun
Why This Item Matters
The 20mm M39 Operating Spring Compression represents a specialized internal component from a significant Cold War aircraft-cannon design. Its distinctive stranded-wire construction provides a useful example of the engineering required for a rapid-cycling gun mechanism.
For museums, restorers, and military-aircraft historians, this component can add mechanical context to M39 parts collections, sectioned displays, and technical reference exhibits.
About This Item
The offered 20mm M39 Operating Spring Compression is the single multi-strand coiled spring shown. A spring guide, related operating components, and the M39 automatic gun are not included.
Ideal For
This item is a strong fit for:
- M39 aircraft-gun component collections
- Cold War U.S. Air Force armament displays
- Museum and educational reference exhibits
- Military-aircraft restoration research
- Film, theater, and historical display projects
Approx length 14", Approx width 1", Approx height 1", Approx weight .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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