WWII German Mk-108 30mm Auto-Cannon Combat Effectiveness Against US Bombers and Fighters

A Devastating Weapon

This explores the impact of the German Luftwaffe’s decision to adopt the MK 108 30mm autocannon as the main weapon for its World War II bomber interceptors. As the air war over Europe escalated, German forces faced growing waves of heavily armed Allied bombers like the American B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, and the British Lancaster. These aircraft were tough, heavily armored, and defended by multiple gunners, making them extremely hard to bring down.

Early German aircraft armament struggled to stop these bombers effectively. In response, engineers and strategists pushed for more powerful weapons, ultimately leading to the widespread use of the MK 108 cannon. This 30mm weapon proved devastating in combat—reports showed it could destroy or cripple a heavy bomber with just three to five hits.

The video walks viewers through why the MK 108 was chosen, how it performed in battle, and what its use meant for Germany’s overall air defense strategy. While the cannon’s power was undeniable, it came with drawbacks. It had a short effective range and a slow rate of fire, forcing pilots to get dangerously close to their targets, often exposing themselves to intense defensive fire.