2A38

2A38 is a Soviet and Russian autocannon designed in the late 1960s by the Tula KBP Instrument Design Bureau. It is a gas-operated, rotary-barreled weapon. The 2A38 is primarily used as the main armament on several Soviet and Russian armored vehicles, notably the BMD-1 and BMD-2 airborne infantry fighting vehicles, and the BTR-D airborne personnel carrier. It is also found on some variants of the MT-LB multi-purpose tracked vehicle.

The autocannon fires a 30x165mm round, offering a significant increase in firepower compared to the 14.5mm machine guns that preceded it on many light armored vehicles. It has a dual-feed system, allowing it to switch between different ammunition types, such as high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) and armor-piercing discarding sabot (APSDS) rounds. This versatility enables it to engage a variety of targets, including light armored vehicles, infantry, and low-flying aircraft.

The 2A38 features a high rate of fire, typically around 500-800 rounds per minute, though its cyclic rate is higher. Its effective range is generally considered to be up to 2,000 meters for ground targets and 1,000 meters for aerial targets. The weapon's design incorporates a rotary barrel system, which helps to dissipate heat during sustained firing, preventing barrel overheating and allowing for more consistent accuracy. It is a reliable and proven weapon system that has seen service in numerous military conflicts.