This Soviet recoil-operated 37mm antiaircraft gun was based on a 25mm Bofors design and closely resembles the 40mm guns used since World War II. They entered service in
the Autumn of 1939 and remained in service in a slightly modified form until well after World War Two. It was a robust and easy to maintain weapon and was often employed
in the fire-support role as well as being used for anti-aircraft work.
Although the single mount is the most common version, a twin mount was produced and has been exported. The Soviet Navy also employed a twin water-cooled version
closely resembling the tankbased multi-mount guns used after World War II.
The guns have hydraulic recoil buffers and spring recuperators. The breechblocks are of the rising block type. They may be equipped with a shield.
VARIANTS OF THE SERIES
3.7cm FLAK M39a(r) - Captured examples in German Army service during World War Two P793 - Improved Type 65 Type 55 - Chinese copy of the ZP-39 Type 65 - Twin-barrelled version of the Type 55 Type 74 - Improved Ty6pe 65 ZP-39 aka M1939 - Original russian version ZP-39 [Variant 1] - Fitted with hood-type framework over sights. Indonesia,
Iraq
