British 30mm ADEN LV Type A

[Vasco Da Gama]

I have had this case and replica projectile for a number of years, it has been on the ‘to research list‘ for far too long! Having had some time over the festive break I did some reading about the development of the 30mm ADEN cannon post WW2. My understanding is the case pictured with the resin projectile is an early development, known as the Type A, this did not enter service, being superseded by the Type B. The only difference is the shape and diameter of the rim, Type A 31.9mm and Type B 33.3mm, please see the pictures. The Type A case is not date stamped for production or loading as is the Type B. My reading would indicate the Type A case was around from 1945 before being replaced with the Type B in 1952. The projectile is interesting, home made for display or an early mock up? It is 129mm long and flat based, the AP projectile was also flat based and 106mm long. There is mention of a flat based, base fused shell which was 136.5mm long, so not too far away. Posted for interest, glad to have your thoughts.

 

[Vasco Da Gama]

I thought to post a couple of additional pictures of a 30mm LV dummy round, dated 1952. These were produced with inert service projectiles which are painted either brown or left in plain steel, as in this case. The cap chamber was left empty and Dummy stamped on the head.