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20mm? Links ID please

hicky1300

hicky1300

Well-Known Member
Links.jpg
Hi all. Found these links all with 20mm Oerlikon cases in them as per the left one. Not convinced though that these are correct for the Oerlikon rounds (always thought they were drum mag fed?). Tried a 20 x 110 Hispano case (RH) and that seems to fit a lot better mainly at the extractor groove.
Can anyone clarify please?
 
Hicky1300,

Is there any chance you can provide a larger picture so we can see the links more clearly?
 
Last edited:
I've never seen links quite like these before; similar to M15A2 links for .50 Cal but larger. I'd also like to see some larger pictures.

-WRM
 
They look like links for the FN BRG 15mm cases(essentially a 20mm case).
The Oerlikon did not use linked ammo.

Bob
 
links2.pngSorry guys this is a good a size as I seem to be able to get the pic. Stamped P5 on the side by the way. With you Kahu I was fairly sure the Oe only used drum mags. As you also say could be for the 15mm case - dont have one of those!
Interesting this seems to have a few stumped?
 
Well done guys and thanks.
I was aware of this calibre but wasn`t aware it had been taken so far in the developement.
Certainly not as much as the link shows.
Looks like a nice addition to my collection!
Now to find some rounds!!??
Looks like I will have some pare if anyone wants them for a trade?
 
Very interesting dual-feed system! I might be interested in as many as 5 of them if you have that many spares.

-WRM
 
hicky1300 said:
View attachment 103761
Hi all. Found these links all with 20mm Oerlikon cases in them as per the left one. Not convinced though that these are correct for the Oerlikon rounds (always thought they were drum mag fed?). Tried a 20 x 110 Hispano case (RH) and that seems to fit a lot better mainly at the extractor groove.
Can anyone clarify please?
Click to expand...

There are several variations of these links, the ones that you have look to be for the 15x115mm case. The link to the info on the FN gun shows the later 15.5x106mm model. The early trials were with 20x110mm Hispano cases necked down to take the 15mm bullet which looks like a beefed up .50 BMG bullet. Then the 15x115mm case replaced the Hispano case. The 15mm guns suffered from rapid barrel wear and poor accuracy so a new projectile, with a plastic driving band was developed which solved the problem, this is the 15.5mm. Note that the belt links in the photos of the 15.5mm gun lack the stiffening ridge on the centre loop that yours and mine have.

gravelbelly

15x115 linked reduced P1010002.jpg15x115mm headstamps reduced P1010004.jpg15x115mm linked reduced P1010001.jpg

The headstamp on these cases is 15x115 FNB 85. I have seen two other variants of this 15x115mm link but I only have these two in my collection. The dual feed on the MG was to have two different load types readily available by swinging a lever on the gun, it does not feed from both sides simultaneously.
 
gravelbelly said:
There are several variations of these links, the ones that you have look to be for the 15x115mm case. The link to the info on the FN gun shows the later 15.5x106mm model. The early trials were with 20x110mm Hispano cases necked down to take the 15mm bullet which looks like a beefed up .50 BMG bullet. Then the 15x115mm case replaced the Hispano case. The 15mm guns suffered from rapid barrel wear and poor accuracy so a new projectile, with a plastic driving band was developed which solved the problem, this is the 15.5mm. Note that the belt links in the photos of the 15.5mm gun lack the stiffening ridge on the centre loop that yours and mine have.

gravelbelly

View attachment 103848View attachment 103849View attachment 103850

The headstamp on these cases is 15x115 FNB 85. I have seen two other variants of this 15x115mm link but I only have these two in my collection. The dual feed on the MG was to have two different load types readily available by swinging a lever on the gun, it does not feed from both sides simultaneously.
Click to expand...

Thanks for clearing up the dual feed system, I was pondering just what sort of mechanics went into feeding a weapon with belted ammo from both sides at the same time........I thought it all sounded a little too complicated. Looks pretty impressive in the photos though.

regards Kev
 
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