Bofors
The Bofors AB was a Swedish arms manufacturer . Today the company is divided into different production divisions and owned by different parent companies . The name is still used as an abbreviation of the official company names. The company became known for rapid-fire cannons .
history
The name Bofors has been synonymous with the steel industry in Sweden for over 350 years . The company goes back to the hammer mill "Boofors" founded in Karlskoga in 1649 . The direct predecessor of today's companies was founded in 1873.
Its most famous owner was probably Alfred Nobel , who owned the company from 1894 until his death in 1896. He also played a key role in the development from iron processing to gun manufacturer .
In 1999, acquired Saab with the former parent company Celsius AB and Bofors . In 2000, the heavy weapons division (cannons and ammunition) was sold to United Defense Industries (UDI). The missile division of Bofors remained with Saab.
Bofors today consists of two parts:
- BAE Systems Bofors (majority at BAE Systems since 2005 )
- Saab Dynamics
The reputation of the company has several affairs to illegal arms sales and corruption suffered ( Bofors scandal ).
Products
Bofors is known for its small and medium caliber rapid fire cannons. These are world famous, especially as anti-aircraft guns. Among other things, Bofors was also involved in the development of the famous German 8.8 cm flak . Medium ship guns and special ammunition are also among the company's outstanding products.
Saab's remaining business division produces guided missiles and torpedoes .
Some examples of guns:
-
40 mm FlaK
Probably the best known weapon from Bofors. In the 1920s, developed anti-aircraft cannon , which was used in large numbers during the Second World War by almost all warring parties. The weapon was continuously developed and is still in use worldwide today. -
37mm PaK was used
in several nations during World War II, including armament for light tanks such as the Polish 7TP and the US M3A3 Stuart - Bofors Mod. 1934, 7.5 cm tank cannon
- 57 mm cannon (for example as an on-board cannon in the Saab 18 )
- 57 mm naval gun Mk2 / 3 (for example on the Visby-class corvettes )
- Bofors 120 mm naval gun (for example on the Polish Gryf )
Examples of missiles: