Description
20mm M39A3 Aircraft Cannon Receiver End Plate, P/N 8401758, NSN 1005-00-840-1758
Item Overview
This military-surplus item is a receiver end plate from a 20mm M39A3 aircraft cannon. Its official name is “Plate, Receiver End.” It is a formed-steel structural component from the cannon’s welded receiver body, not a complete receiver, ammunition feeder, or functional firearm. The plate is suitable for collecting, research, restoration reference, and historical display.
Identification and Features
The part number, stock numbers, and handwritten application tag identify this component with the M39A3 cannon. The original Federal Stock Number was later expanded into the modern 13-digit National Stock Number.
- Official name: Plate, Receiver End
- Part number: 8401758
- Original FSN: 1005-840-1758
- Modern NSN: 1005-00-840-1758
- Marked application: 20MM M39A3
- Parent weapon: 20mm M39A3 aircraft cannon
- Ammunition family: 20×102mm
- Construction: Formed steel
- Component type: Receiver structural member
- Status: Separated military-surplus gun component
Function and Construction
The receiver end plate formed part of the structure surrounding and supporting the M39A3 cannon’s internal operating assemblies. A government-published exploded view identifies the receiver end plate as item 10 and shows its position beside the receiver assembly, operating spring, and guide.
Weapon Application
The M39A3 was a fixed, forward-firing aircraft cannon. It was a single-barrel, gas-operated, electrically fired revolver cannon with five chambers and a belt-fed ammunition system. The rotating chambers allowed the weapon to complete several loading and firing steps during one operating cycle, producing a much higher firing rate than many earlier single-chamber aircraft guns. The identification tag confirms this plate’s M39A3 application; compatibility with other M39 versions is not claimed.
Historical Background
The M39 family developed from the experimental T160 cannon and was type-classified in 1953. Earlier M39 versions armed aircraft including the F-86, F-100, F-101, and B-57. Continued improvements produced the M39A3 by the late 1960s, with production associated with the Hydramatic Division of General Motors. More than 35,000 cannons of all M39 models were produced, and the M39A3 remained in service on aircraft such as the Northrop F-5 during the 1970s. The family became an important part of Cold War American aircraft-armament history.
Condition
This is a used military-surplus receiver end plate that appears to have been cut or separated from a larger assembly. The rough perimeter, grinding marks, scratches, finish wear, oxidation, discoloration, handwritten markings, and other signs of handling or storage may be present. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item. This listing includes one receiver end plate only; the cannon, complete receiver, feeder, ammunition, and other parts are not included unless specifically stated.
Ideal For
This original component is well suited for collections and exhibits covering American aircraft armament, Cold War aviation, and the mechanical development of revolver cannons.
- 20mm cannon collections
- M39 and M39A3 research displays
- Cold War aircraft exhibits
- Northrop F-5 armament displays
- Military museums and educational exhibits
- Aircraft-weapon restoration reference
Approx length 8", Approx width 1", Approx height 1", Approx weight 0.6lbs.
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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