Description
Inert 40mm Mark 1 High-Explosive Projectile for Bofors L/60, 40×311R
Item Overview
This inert 40mm Mark 1 high-explosive projectile represents World War II ammunition made for the Bofors L/60 automatic gun. Official U.S. Army manuals identify the original Navy service cartridge as “Cartridge, H.E., Mk. I (Navy).” This example is an inert collectible intended for historical study, museum use, and display.
Identification and Features
Official designation: H.E., Mk. I (Navy)
Projectile type: High explosive
Caliber: 40mm
Cartridge family: 40×311R
Weapon application: Bofors 40mm L/60 automatic gun
Original service fuze: P.D. Mk 27 (Navy)
Original projectile weight: Approximately 2 pounds
Original bursting charge: Approximately 0.1 pound of TNT
Current status: Inert ordnance collectible
Original Service Configuration
The Mark 1 projectile was originally assembled with a Mk 27 superquick point-detonating nose fuze. The complete fixed cartridge included the projectile, 40×311R cartridge case, propellant, and percussion primer as one ready-to-load round. Wartime technical data lists the complete service cartridge at approximately 17.6 inches long and 4.6 pounds, but those measurements do not apply to this loose inert projectile.
Original Purpose
The original service projectile was designed to produce blast and fragmentation when its Mk 27 nose fuze struck a target. Its main purpose was to engage aircraft and other suitable targets within the Bofors gun’s effective range. This inert example cannot perform its original military function.
Bofors L/60 History
The Bofors L/60 was developed by the Bofors company of Sweden during the years before World War II. The United States adopted an American version as the 40mm Automatic Gun M1 in 1941. The gun used four-round charger clips and could fire approximately 120 rounds per minute, placing it between light automatic cannon and larger antiaircraft guns.
History of Use
The 40mm Bofors became one of the most important Allied antiaircraft weapons of World War II. U.S. Army guns protected airfields, ports, troop positions, and important facilities from low-flying aircraft and dive bombers. Naval versions were installed in single, twin, and quadruple mounts aboard battleships, cruisers, destroyers, aircraft carriers, submarines, and other vessels, and the system remained in use after the war.
Condition
This is an original inert military-surplus projectile that may show paint loss, scratches, oxidation, discoloration, pitting, tool marks, or other evidence of age, storage, and demilitarization. This listing is for the projectile only; the complete cartridge, cartridge case, live fuze, explosive filling, primer, propellant, charger clip, storage container, and Bofors gun are not included unless specifically pictured or stated.
Ideal For
This 40mm Mark 1 projectile is suitable for World War II ordnance collections, Bofors ammunition displays, naval history exhibits, antiaircraft collections, military museums, veterans’ displays, and educational presentations.
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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