Links for German 30mm MK 108 El

[panther1]

Hello

I am after the correct designation for the links that were used for the WW2 German 30mm rounds for the MK 108 . How hard are they to find, and are there many around?
Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Iain

 

[Ammotech]

According to this web site http://www.luft46.com/armament/mk108.html
In short, the MK 108 was a blow-back operated, rear-seared, belt fed 30 mm cannon using electric ignition and was charged and triggered by simple compressed air...
The operating sequence for the MK 108 went like this:

• An ammunition can fed the rounds to the gun by means of a disintegrating belt
• Once the sear was released, the bolt went forward under the action of the two driving springs
• A projection on the top of the bolt passed through the ring, thus extracting a round
• This then forced the round into the chamber and fired the round while the heavy bolt was still moving forwards
• The empty cartridge case reinserted itself in its link after firing
• Ejection was achieved by means of pawls activated by camming grooves that were cut into the top of the bolt
• Finally, the new round slipped into position and the sequence repeated

Also check out http://www.lonesentry.com/manuals/tme30/ch7sec9sub3.html
which mentions "60-round disintegrating link belt."

 

[waffenamt]

Interesting write up,thanks for posting it.:tinysmile_grin_t:

best

waff

 

[spotter]

any use ??

 

[jayteepee_1999]

Spotter, I use to do the belt checks as per your 1st document on 30mm aircraft ammunition for the aden cannon, those were the days!

 

[Hartkern]

here is a pic from a MK 108 link

Hartkern

 

[tbstreet]

Doesn't seem as if anyone answered your questions. Nomenclature was Gurt (belt) 108. Single link is (die) Gurtglied 108. They are VERY hard to find! I have been a serious link collector for years and still don't have a good one.

 

[Fjordhouse]

Hello Ian, ii have some for you, please send me a PM, regards Ben