2A42 30 mm automatic cannon

Also known as

2A42
30 mm 2A42
Shipunov 2A42

The 2A42 is a Soviet-origin 30 mm autocannon developed in the 1970s for the BMP-2 and later used on other Russian armored vehicles and attack helicopters. WeaponSystems.net places it in the BMP-2's main armament slot, while the Mi-28 record's 30 mm cannon fit shows how the gun also entered helicopter service.

2A42 30 mm automatic cannon, 30 mm automatic cannon, Artillery

Image source: File:2A42 - 30 mm autocanon in turret of BMP-2 IFV.jpg

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: Soviet Union / Russia
Built by: Tulamashzavod
Type: 30 mm automatic cannon
Service note: Late Cold War to present
Designer: KBP Instrument Design Bureau
Designed: 1970s
Produced: 1980s-present

autocannon 30 mm cannon

Specifications

Caliber: 30x165 mm
Operation: Gas-operated, electrically powered, belt-fed twin-feed system
Rate of fire: 200-300 rpm on low setting; 550-800 rpm on high setting
Muzzle velocity: 960-970 m/s
Weight: 115 kg overall; 38.5 kg barrel only
Effective range: 1.5 km against armored vehicles; about 2 km against infantry, vehicles, and aircraft; 4 km slant range

Mounted On

The 2A42 is best known as a vehicle and helicopter cannon rather than a standalone ground weapon.

Firing weapon

Weapon type

Firing evidence

BMP-2, Tracked amphibious infantry fighting vehicle, Armored Vehicles

Infantry fighting vehicle

WeaponSystems.net identifies the 2A42 as the BMP-2's selected main armament.

Sources: BMP-2

BMD-2, Airborne infantry fighting vehicle, Armored Vehicles

Airborne infantry fighting vehicle

The BMD-2 record and related source material tie the 2A42 to the airborne IFV's main gun fit.

Sources: Weaponsystems.net BMD-2

Mi-28, Attack helicopter, Aircraft & UAVs

Attack helicopter

U.S. Army ODIN describes the Mi-28's 30 mm cannon fit, linking the helicopter to the 2A42 gun family.

Sources: Mi-28 (Havoc) Russian Attack Helicopter

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Sources

30mm Shipunov 2A42Publisher: WeaponSystems.net | Note: Supports the 2A42's Soviet origin, development period, BMP-2 armament role, and general technical specifications. | Accessed: 2026-06-30 BMP-2Publisher: WeaponSystems.net | Note: Supports the BMP-2 main-armament relationship and vehicle context for the 2A42 cannon. | Accessed: 2026-06-30 Weaponsystems.net BMD-2Publisher: WeaponSystems.net | Note: Supports BMD-2 designations, 2A42 cannon context, and related airborne IFV background for the 2A42 family. | Accessed: 2026-06-30 BMP-2 Infantry Fighting VehiclePublisher: Army Guide | Note: Supports the BMP-2's 30 mm gun fit and vehicle-level technical background for the 2A42 record. | Accessed: 2026-06-30 Mi-28 (Havoc) Russian Attack HelicopterPublisher: U.S. Army ODIN | Note: Supports the Mi-28's 30 mm cannon description and helicopter installation context for the 2A42 family. | Accessed: 2026-06-30 File:2A42 - 30 mm autocanon in turret of BMP-2 IFV.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing for the BMP-2 turret photograph used on this page. | Accessed: 2026-06-30