British, Cold War - 1951 Dated, 30mm ADEN Practice Aircraft Cannon Cartridge Case – Radway Green & Swynnerton – PRAC 2Z – Hawker Hunter / Lightning Interest

*British, Cold War - 1951 Dated, 30mm ADEN Practice Aircraft Cannon Cartridge Case – Radway Green & Swynnerton – PRAC 2Z – Hawker Hunter / Lightning Interest*

An original British Cold War era 30mm ADEN aircraft cannon cartridge case, dated 1951, and marked “PRAC 2Z SWN 29/51” over “30MM R.G.”, identifying it as a practice loading produced for the famous ADEN revolver cannon system. This substantial fired brass case represents an early post-war example from the formative years of Britain’s jet-age armament development and retains clear factory and lot markings.

Manufactured at Royal Ordnance Factory Radway Green (R.G.), Cheshire, the cartridge case was subsequently processed and assembled at Royal Ordnance Factory Swynnerton (SWN) in Staffordshire. The marking “29/51” identifies Lot 29 of 1951, allowing the round to be accurately placed within early Cold War British ammunition production. The designation PRAC confirms it as a practice/training configuration, intended for instruction and non-service use.

The cartridge belongs to the 30×111B ADEN ammunition family, instantly recognisable by its rebated rim design, engineered specifically for reliable feeding in the high-rate ADEN revolver cannon. Developed in the years immediately following World War II, the ADEN system drew heavily from captured German Mauser MG213C revolver cannon technology, becoming one of Britain’s most successful aircraft weapons.

The ADEN cannon armed numerous iconic British combat aircraft including the Hawker Hunter, Gloster Javelin, Supermarine Swift, English Electric Lightning, and later the Harrier, remaining in frontline use for decades across British and Commonwealth air forces.

Approx. Measurements – Height: 11.1 cm. Base diameter: 3.2 cm.

History Note:
Although this cartridge case itself was manufactured at ROF Radway Green, it later passed through ROF Swynnerton, Staffordshire, one of Britain’s largest government munitions facilities. Constructed immediately before the Second World War, Swynnerton became renowned for its enormous wartime workforce, including thousands of women later remembered as the “Swynnerton Angels,” who carried out dangerous ammunition filling and packing work under strict wartime secrecy. By the early 1950s the factory had transitioned into Cold War production, continuing to process and assemble ammunition for Britain’s post-war armed forces.

*Condition*
Original fired cartridge case showing expected service wear and age-related patina throughout. The neck has sustained heavy deformation/crushing from firing and ejection, a feature commonly encountered on recovered ADEN cases. Surface marks, scratches, oxidation and handling wear are present. Primer remains fitted in the base. A solid and attractive display piece with clear markings and good Cold War aviation association. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

A genuine early-dated British ADEN practice cartridge case linking two important Royal Ordnance factories and the beginning of Britain's Cold War jet era.