L21A1 RARDEN

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L21A1 RARDEN mounted on Scimitar light tank - 30x170mm

The L21A1 RARDEN is a British autocannon mounted on a variety of armoured transport and reconnaissance vehicles in use by, among others, the United Kingdom, Kuwait, Belgium and Jordan. The origin of the name is a contraction of the two main parties involved in its manufacture and design, the "Royal Armament, Research and Development Establishment" and "RSAF ENfield". Unusually the weapon does not use a belt feed, but instead has a 6 round feed manually topped up with 3 round clips. In order to not cause a gap in the feed, the weapon must be fired in either three or single shot engagements and topped up with clip or loose round respectively before the weapon can be fired again. Due to its long recoil operation mechanism and lack of a powered ammunition reed, the weapon can continue to operate if all vehicle power is lost, unlike weapons such as the Bushmaster M242.

Specifications

(1971 - ????)

• Type: Autocannon

• Caliber(s): 30x170mm

• Weight: 242.5 lbs (110 kg)

• Length: 124 in (315 cm)

• Barrel length: 96.1 in (244 cm)

• Capacity: 6, loaded with 3 round clips

• Fire Modes: Semi/full automatic

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The L21A1 RARDEN can be seen in the following television series and video games used by the following actors:

Television

Title	Actor	Character	Note	Date
The Professionals			Mounted on FV721 Fox; (S04E01), (S05E04)	1980-1982
Soldier Soldier		British Army soldiers	Mounted on Warrior IFV's and Scimitar light tanks	1991-1997
Red Cap		British Army soldiers	Mounted on Warrior IFV's and Scimitar light tanks	2003-2004
Doctor Who			Mounted on Sabre (S11E11)	2019

Video Games

Game Title	Referred as	Mods	Note	Date
Project Reality		Firing HEAT and Sabot rounds	Mounted on Warrior IFV and Scimitar light tank	2005
World in Conflict			Mounted on Warrior IFV	2007

See Also

• Royal Small Arms Factory - A list of weapons produced by RSAF Enfield