The Soviet 30mm autocannon that balanced heavy fire with mobile versatility

Wars & Conflicts · Published 16 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the world of armored warfare, the 30mm caliber represents a critical middle ground between heavy cannons and light machine guns. The Shipunov 2A42 is a prime example of this engineering balance, offering a dual-feed system that allows a single vehicle to switch between high-explosive and armor-piercing rounds instantly.

Developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau and manufactured by Tulamashzavod, the Shipunov 2A42 was designed to replace the 2A28 Grom. It serves as a primary armament for a wide array of Soviet and Russian vehicles, including the BMP-2, BMD-2, and BTR-90. Its versatility is defined by a dual-feed mechanism, allowing gunners to select between HE-T (high-explosive incendiary) and AP-T (armor-piercing ballistic capped) rounds. This capability is essential for engaging diverse targets, ranging from soft-skinned vehicles to light armor.

The 2A42 is characterized by its high rate of fire, which can be toggled between a low setting of 200 to 300 rounds per minute and a high setting of 550 to 800 rounds per minute. In terms of performance, it has an effective range of 1,500 meters against light armored vehicles and up to 4,000 meters against soft targets. For aerial threats, it can engage targets at low altitudes of up to 2,000 meters at subsonic speeds, or at a slant range of 2,500 meters.

The weapon's legacy extends through various derivatives and international exports. A lighter, simplified cousin, the 2A72, uses a long-recoil operation to reduce recoil forces from 20 tons to 7 tons, though it sacrifices rate of fire for a longer barrel and higher muzzle velocity. Furthermore, the 30x165mm cartridge used by the 2A42 is a standard for several other Soviet land-based systems, though it remains incompatible with naval or aerial cannons of the same size due to different priming mechanisms.

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