Japanese 25mm Anti-Aircraft Gun Type 96 (1936)
Technical Information

Background
In 1935 the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) decided to replace the earlier 40mm Anti-Aircraft Gun HI Type 91 with a 25mm Hotchkiss design as a dual purpose automatic cannon against aircraft, ships or ground targets. The first few weapons were built in France under the designation “Type 94” and “Type 95”, with the mass production model was the "Type 96" produced at Yokosuka Arsenal. The Japanese made a number of minor changes to the original Hotchkiss design and production process, changing some components from forgings to castings to simplify production and replacing the simple conical flash suppressor with a Rheinmetall design.

Wartime History
The Type 96 was the standard medium anti-aircraft weapon of the Imperial Japanese Navy, and was used on virtually every warship during World War II. It was also installed on land to defend Navy airfields and installations.

Twin Mount
The double mount type was the first to enter service.

Triple Mount
During 1941, triple mounts entered service.

Single Mount
In 1943, singe mount versions entered service.

Stainless Steel Version
A submarine version was produced, made of stainless steel to allow it to be submerged without rusting or corroding.

Production
A total of 33,000 guns were built.

Technical Details
Caliber  25mm
Muzzle Velocity  2,953 ft/s
Shell  25mm × 163mm
Rate of Fire  200–260 rpm 110 rpm (effective)
Range  6,800 m (7,439 yards) at 45 degrees elevation with HE shell
Fuses  HE (High Explosive), HET (High Explosive Tracer), HEI (High Explosive Incendiary)