23mm NR-23 Soviet Cold War Era Aircraft Autocannon
$12,500.00
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23mm NR-23 Soviet Cold War Era Aircraft Autocannon
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Experience a genuine piece of Cold War history with this fully restored 23mm NR-23 Soviet aircraft autocannon, now available as an inert display for sale. Originally a demilitarized parts kit in poor condition, this NR-23 has been meticulously rebuilt by Ordnance.com’s expert restoration team into a museum-quality showpiece. It retains its original bolt carrier group and even includes an inert 23×115mm round for static display, showcasing the loading mechanism without any of the risks of an active weapon. Collectors, museums, and aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the unparalleled authenticity and craftsmanship behind this Soviet aircraft cannon for sale, which stands as a testament to mid-20th-century air combat innovation.
Authentic Cold War Artifact – Meticulous Restoration & Display-Ready
Every aspect of this NR-23 cannon has been carefully refurbished to display-ready condition. Starting with a 1950s-era demilitarized parts kit, our NR-23 gun restoration process involved cleaning decades of wear, fabricating or repairing damaged components, and reassembling the cannon to its original specifications. The original bolt carrier group is preserved as a separate display, and an inert 23×115mm High Explosive Incendiary round is seated in the bolt to illustrate how the NR-23 would have been loaded and fired (now completely safe and non-functional). The exterior has been restored with attention to period-correct details. The result is an inert Soviet autocannon display that looks battle-ready – a perfect fusion of historical integrity and professional restoration.
Historical Significance – From MiG-15 Fighter to Il-28 Bomber
The NR-23 autocannon holds a prominent place in aviation history as one of the Soviet Union’s standard aircraft cannons of the early Cold War. Entering service in 1949: it was designed to replace earlier World War II–era 23mm cannons (the NS-23 and VYa-23) with a more reliable, faster-firing weapon. This cannon armed a wide array of Soviet aircraft. In frontline fighter jets like the legendary MiG-15, MiG-17, and early MiG-19, the NR-23 was mounted as a fixed gun in the nose or wings. For example, the MiG-15bis carried two NR-23 cannons alongside a larger 37mm cannon in its nose, giving it formidable firepower in the Korean War. In bombers and attackers, the NR-23 was often used in turreted mounts – the Ilyushin Il-28 “Beagle” light bomber featured twin NR-23s in its tail barbette (rear turret) as a defense against enemy fighters. This dual capability made the NR-23 extremely versatile: it served in both offensive roles (air-to-air and air-to-ground firing from fighters) and defensive roles (as turret guns on bombers).
During the Cold War, the NR-23 was widespread across Soviet and Warsaw Pact air forces. Its reliability and firepower left a mark in conflicts like the Korean War (where MiG-15s dueled with Western jets) and in the arming of allied nations’ aircraft through the 1950s. In total, over 70,000 units of NR-23 were produced by the USSR between 1949 and 1957
– a testament to its importance in the development of Soviet aircraft weaponry. By the 1960s, this cannon’s design had influenced newer guns: the mechanism was scaled up to create the 30mm NR-30 cannon for later MiG fighters, and it paved the way for the twin-barrel Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L autocannon that succeeded it in Soviet service. Owning this restored NR-23 is like holding a piece of that progression – it’s not just a display but a symbol of the rapid evolution in air combat arms during the Cold War.
Technical Specifications – 23×115mm NR-23 Autocannon (Inert)
Although completely inert and non-firing, this restored NR-23 retains the exact specifications and look of the original weapon. Its impressive engineering is evident in its solid steel construction and mechanism. Key technical details of the 23mm NR-23 autocannon are:
- Caliber: (uses the Soviet 23×115 cartridge, an example of which is included in this display).
- Operation: Short-recoil action, automatic single-barrel cannon. (Recoiling barrel design to cycle the action; fully deactivated in this display piece.)
- Cyclic Rate of Fire: ~800–850 rounds per minute (theoretical maximum) (In practice, sustained fire was lower; U.S. tests of a captured NR-23 measured ~650 rpm.)
- Muzzle Velocity: ~690 m/s (2,264 ft/s) with standard load giving its projectiles a flat trajectory and substantial kinetic energy (now irrelevant for this inert example, but indicative of its original firepower).
- Feed System: Belt-fed from a disintegrating link belt, originally capable of feeding from either the left or right side. This flexibility allowed installation in pairs (e.g., one left-feed and one right-feed in a twin mount). The feed mechanism on this restored unit is preserved for display.
- Weight: ~39 kg (86 lbs) total weight. (Light enough for fighter installation, heavy-duty enough to absorb recoil.
- Length: ~2.0 m (6 ft 6 in) overall length. The long barrel and compact receiver are clearly visible in the display, highlighting the cannon’s sleek yet robust design.
- Ammunition Types (Original): Fired high-explosive incendiary (HEI) and armor-piercing incendiary (API) rounds with impact fuzes. (This inert sale unit is not capable of firing and comes with a Display round only.)
All these specifications attest to the NR-23’s effectiveness as a weapon during its service life. This 23mm aircraft autocannon for sale has been preserved in a way that you can examine these engineering details up close – without any of the restrictions of an active firearm.
A Rare Collectible Opportunity for Museums and Enthusiasts
For military history collectors and aviation museums, this restored NR-23 offers an exceptional display piece rarely available on the open market. It’s not every day that a Cold War autocannon for sale comes along in such excellent restored condition. This artifact provides a tangible connection to historic aircraft like the MiG-15 and Il-28, essentially placing the firepower of a MiG-15 cannon and an Il-28 tail gun into your collection in one stroke. As an inert cannon, it requires no special permits to own. It has been permanently deactivated according to legal standards, making it legal for private collectors to purchase, own, and display it.
The value of this piece goes beyond its steel and springs; it is a conversation starter and an educational centerpiece. Display it alongside a model of a MiG-15 or a photo of an Il-28 and instantly transport viewers to the dawn of the Jet Age. The cannon’s robust presence, with its long barrel and engraved markings, evokes the era of aces and interceptors, illustrating the kind of armament that defined 1950s aerial combat. Aviation history enthusiasts will recognize the NR-23’s role in shaping aircraft weapon design and owning this item is akin to preserving that legacy. Its comprehensive restoration by Ordnance.com ensures it will remain in beautiful condition for years to come, whether showcased in a museum exhibit, a personal militaria collection, or a commemorative display for a veteran or unit.
In summary, this NR-23 display cannon is a one-of-a-kind offering that combines historical authenticity, expert restoration, and showcase appeal. It’s an ideal acquisition for those who seek to own a piece of Cold War history – that will impress viewers and honor the legacy of the pilots and aircrews who once relied on its rapid firepower. Don’t miss the chance to add this extraordinary Cold War relic to your collection.
Approx length 78", Approx width 6", Approx height 6", Approx weight 90lbs.
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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