Description
Inert 40mm Mk 2 High-Explosive Incendiary Tracer Projectile for Bofors L/60, 40×311R
Item Overview
This inert 40mm Mk 2 High-Explosive Incendiary Tracer projectile represents ammunition developed for the Bofors L/60 automatic cannon. The explosive, incendiary, and tracer materials have been removed or are absent, and no Mk 11 self-destroying tracer is installed. It is offered as an inert collectible, study piece, or historical display item and is not live ammunition.
Official Identification
The complete service cartridge was officially designated “Cartridge, 40 Millimeter: HEI-T, SD, Mk 11, Mk 2, MV2890.” In this designation, Mk 2 identifies the projectile and Mk 11 identifies the self-destroying tracer assembly. The projectile was part of the rimmed 40×311R ammunition family used in American Bofors L/60-type guns.
Original Construction
The Mk 2 had a relatively thin-walled steel body designed to produce fragments when its internal bursting charge detonated. Its threaded nose accepted a Mk 27 point-detonating fuze, while the threaded boat-tailed base held the Mk 11 tracer. A complete service projectile contained a TNT bursting charge, an incendiary charge, and a tracer assembly that extended about 0.6" beyond the base.
Original Function
In service, the projectile combined blast, fragmentation, incendiary effect, and a visible red trace. The Mk 11 tracer burned for approximately eight to ten seconds and included a self-destroying feature that could activate the projectile near the end of its flight. This inert example has no SD tracer and does not retain the original energetic function.
Cartridge and Performance
The Mk 2 projectile was assembled into fixed 40×311R ammunition with the projectile and cartridge case joined as one complete round. Official data lists the complete cartridge at approximately 17.6" long and 4.75 pounds, with a muzzle velocity of about 2,890 feet per second and a maximum range of approximately 4,300 yards. Complete rounds could use Mk 2, modified Mk 2, or Mk 3 cartridge cases made from brass or steel.
Bofors L/60 History
The Swedish-designed 40mm Bofors L/60 became one of the most widely used medium antiaircraft guns of World War II. The United States produced Army versions in the M1 and M2 series, while the Navy used related Mk 1 guns. Its 40×311R ammunition was commonly supplied in four-round charger clips for rapid loading.
History of Use
Bofors L/60 guns served on towed mounts, self-propelled vehicles, and many Allied warships. They protected troops, airfields, ships, and important installations from low-flying aircraft and could also engage light vehicles, exposed equipment, and other materiel. The specific Mk 2 HEI-T configuration was standardized in 1959, continuing the Bofors ammunition family into the postwar period.
Condition
This is an original inert military-surplus projectile that may show paint loss, scratches, oxidation, discoloration, tool marks, or other signs of age and prior handling. No Mk 11 SD tracer is included. The cartridge case, propellant, primer, gun, charger clip, and other ammunition components are not included unless specifically pictured or stated.
Approx length 7", Approx width 1.5", Approx height 1.5", Approx weight lbs.
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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