Description
25mm M792 HEI-T Projectile with 25×180mm Oerlikon KBB Case – Composite Display Round
Item Overview
This collectible assembly pairs a U.S. 25mm M792 High-Explosive Incendiary-Tracer projectile with a green 25×180mm Oerlikon KBB cartridge case. These components come from two different ammunition systems. The standard M792 service cartridge uses a shorter 25×137mm case, so this mixed assembly should be described as a composite display round rather than an issued or experimental service cartridge.
Identification and Markings
Projectile designation: M792
Projectile type: High-Explosive Incendiary-Tracer, or HEI-T
Projectile marking: 25MM HEI-T M792
Visible projectile lot marking: POH87D112-013
Projectile color: Yellow with a red identification band and black lettering
Case caliber: 25×180mm
Case family: Oerlikon KBB
Case material: Steel
Case finish: Military green
Visible case markings: 038, 86, and a circular maker’s symbol
Primer marking: 220
Configuration: Nonstandard mixed-component display assembly
Important Configuration Information
A correct M792 cartridge consists of an M792 projectile fitted to a 25×137mm steel case for the M242 Bushmaster cannon. The case on this example measures approximately 180mm and belongs to the longer Oerlikon KBB cartridge family. There is no documentation showing that this exact M792-and-KBB combination was issued, tested, or approved for firing, and it must not be represented as ammunition for either the M242 or KBB cannon.
M792 Projectile History
The M792 was developed as the high-explosive service cartridge for the 25mm M242 Bushmaster automatic cannon. Its projectile combined blast, fragmentation, incendiary effect, and a visible tracer for engaging unarmored vehicles, equipment, and other exposed targets. Standard M792 ammunition used the M758 point-detonating, self-destroying fuze, while its yellow body, red band, and black markings identified its HEI-T role.
M242 Bushmaster History and Use
The M242 Bushmaster entered U.S. service during the 1980s and became the main cannon of the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and M3 Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicle. Variants of the weapon were also used on the U.S. Marine Corps LAV-25 and U.S. Navy Mk 38 gun system. The chain-driven design provided controlled automatic fire and allowed crews to select between different 25×137mm ammunition types, including M792 HEI-T and armor-piercing cartridges.
25×180mm Oerlikon KBB History
The Defense Intelligence Agency identified the 25×180mm cartridge as ammunition for the Oerlikon KBB automatic cannon. Oerlikon introduced this longer cartridge in the early 1980s as a more powerful development of the 25×137mm family, offering greater velocity, range, and penetration. The KBB cannon became best known through the four-gun Sea Zenith naval close-in weapon system, which was designed to defend ships against aircraft and approaching missiles.
Date and Case Markings
The “86” marking on the case is consistent with a 1986 production date, while “038” and the circular symbol appear to be additional factory or lot markings. The primer is marked “220.” The projectile carries lot marking POH87D112-013, which includes a visible 1987 date element, placing both main components within the late Cold War period.
Condition and Safety
This military-surplus display assembly may show paint loss, scratches, staining, oxidation, worn lettering, insertion marks, or other signs of age and handling. The photographs do not establish whether the projectile, tracer, fuze, case, or primer has been fully deactivated. It should not be described as inert unless its condition has been separately inspected and verified by qualified personnel.
Ideal For
This unusual mixed-component round is well suited for 25mm ammunition collections, M242 Bushmaster displays, Oerlikon KBB exhibits, Cold War ordnance collections, cartridge-development studies, military museums, technical classrooms, and comparative ammunition displays.
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