page_title: Hispano-Suiza HS.404
section_title: France
hierarchical_section_title: Hispano-Suiza HS.404 / Users / France
caption_attribution_description: the Morane-Saulnier D.3801 preserved at Le Bourget
context_page_description: The HS.404 is an autocannon originally designed and produced by Spanish/French company Hispano-Suiza in the mid-1930s. It was widely used as an aircraft, naval and land-based weapon by French, British, American and other military services, particularly during World War II. The cannon is also referred to as Birkigt type 404, after its designer Marc Birkigt and later versions based on British development are known as 20 mm Hispano.
  Firing a 20 mm calibre projectile, it delivered a significant load of explosive from a relatively light weapon. This made it an ideal anti-aircraft weapon for mounting on light vehicles, as well as a fighter aircraft gun, replacing the 7.62 mm and .303 inch machine guns commonly used in military aircraft of the 1930s. The HS.404 was produced by the French subsidiary of Hispano-Suiza, and under license by a variety of companies in other countries.
context_section_description: HS.404
  Bloch MB.152
  Breguet 693
  Dewoitine D.500
  Dewoitine D.520
  Lioré et Olivier LeO 45
  Morane-Saulnier M.S.406
  Potez 631
caption: Morane-Saulnier M.S.406, one of several French fighters with the moteur-canon firing through the drive shaft.
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