Ivo Rigter Sr.
Founder & Co Owner of BAIV and Tracksandtrade
+31 6 518 22 502 ivosr.rigter@tracksandtrade.com1947- 1950 Bofors 40L70 AA gun Type A
A beautifully preserved Dutch Army Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft gun, used in the post-war and Cold War era. Exceptionally complete and well-maintained, with all functions operating smoothly. Its originality and condition make it a perfect museum piece or an impressive display when paired with a vehicle such as a DAF YA-328.
Location
Nederweert, The Netherlands
Year of construction
1946-1950
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Design by Bofors AB
Type
40L70
Condition
Very complete / Excellent original condition
Details
Condition
This Bofors 40mm L/70 originates from the Dutch Army, where it served as anti-aircraft artillery in the years following World War II and throughout the Cold War. It represents a key element of the Netherlands’ post-war air defense and is a fine example of European military engineering from that period.
The gun remains in highly original condition and has been carefully maintained over the years. All components have been properly lubricated and preserved, and it has always been kept in dry storage. The traverse and elevation systems operate smoothly, and all moving parts function as they should. Overall, the piece is remarkably complete and features several unique accessories, as shown in the accompanying photos.
Please note: the gun is still active. Appropriate export licenses will also be required. BAIV can handle the full deactivation and export process on behalf of the buyer. Please inquire for details, conditions, and costs.
Technical details
- Manufacturer gun
- Design by Bofors AB
- Model gun
- 40 mm L/70
- Manufacturing date gun
- 1947- 1950 (date ID plates: 1957)
- Breech casing number
- NE 111
- Manufacturer carriage
- Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.
- Serial number carriage
- NE 111
- Manufacturing date carriage
- 1957
- Length (travel)
- 23 ft 11 in (7,29 m)
- Width (travel)
- 7 ft 8,5 in (2,23 m)
- Height (travel)
- 7ft 8,5 in (2,35 m)
- Weight
- 10.582 lb (4,8 ton)
- Barrel length
- 9 ft 2 in (2,8 m)
- Muzzle velocity
- 3.300 ft/s (100 m/s) for most shells
- Elevation
- -4 to + 90 degree
- Rate of fire
- 240 to 330 rmp cyclic
- Maximum firing range
- 41.000 ft (12,5 km)
- Crew
- 4 on mount (4 to 6 in total)
- Production numbers
- 5000+
- Gun condition
- In full working order
History
The Bofors 40 mm L/70 is a post-World War II Swedish automatic anti-aircraft gun, developed to succeed the highly successful L/60 design (1946–1950). With a longer barrel, improved firing mechanism, and better ammunition capabilities, it was designed to provide increased range, a higher rate of fire, and greater responsiveness against fast aircraft.
Throughout the Cold War and beyond, the L/70 found widespread use around the world, including in The Netherlands. Its more modern capabilities allowed it to serve effectively in air defense roles in place of older weapons. Over time, the gun continued to evolve, with upgrades in fire control, electronics, and ammunition, keeping it relevant in modern combat environments.
Despite its roots in early post-war design, the L/70 remains operational in many armed forces today, proving the enduring value of its design.
Deployment in the Dutch army
With the post-war reconstruction of Dutch air defense and the Netherlands’ entry into NATO in 1949, the Anti-Aircraft Artillery (LUA) received a mix of British, Canadian, and American equipment. For the light air defense units, responsible for protecting against low-altitude targets, this included both 20 mm guns and various versions of the Bofors 40 mm L/60. By the late 1950s, this diversity of models was streamlined with the introduction of around four hundred Bofors 40 mm L/70 guns, roughly half supplied through American military aid and the remainder manufactured domestically by Wilton-Fijenoord in the Netherlands.
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