Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23

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Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23
Tula State Museum of Weapons (79-54).jpg
Second from the left GSh-6-23
TypeRotary cannon
Place of originSoviet Union
Production history
DesignerVassily P. Gryazev and Arkady G. Shipunov
ManufacturerKBP Instrument Design Bureau Tula
Specifications
Weight73–76 kg (161–167 lb)
Length1.4 m (4 ft 7 in)
Height18 cm (7 in)

Cartridge23×115mm AM-23
Caliber23mm
Barrels6
ActionGas-operated
Rate of fire6000-8000 (standard)[1]. 9,000-10,000 rpm (alleged maximum) [2][3].
Muzzle velocity715 m/s (2345 ft/s)
Feed systemBelt or linkless feed system

The Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23 (Russian: Грязев-Шипунов ГШ-6-23) (GRAU designation: 9A-620 for GSh-6-23, 9A-768 for GSh-6-23M modernized variant) is a six-barreled 23 mm rotary cannon used by some modern Soviet/Russian military aircraft.[4]

The GSh-6-23 differs from most American multi-barreled aircraft cannon in that it is gas-operated, rather than externally powered via an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic system.

The GSh-6-23 uses the 23x115 Russian AM-23 round, fed via linked cartridge belt or a linkless feed system.[5] The linkless system, adopted after numerous problems and failures with the belt feed, is limited.[6][better source needed] Fire control is electrical, using a 27 V DC system. The cannon has 10 pyrotechnic cocking charges, similar to those used in European gas-operated revolver cannons such as the DEFA 554 or Mauser BK-27.

The rapid rate of fire exhausts ammunition quickly: the Mikoyan MiG-31 aircraft, for example, with 260 rounds of ammunition (800 rounds maximum), would empty its magazine in less than two seconds.

The GSh-6-23 is used by the Sukhoi Su-24 attack aircraft, the MiG-31 interceptor aircraft, and the now-obsolete Sukhoi Su-15 among others. However, after two Su-24s were lost because of premature shell detonation in 1983, and because of some other problems with gun usage (such as system failures), usage of the GSh-6-23 was stopped by a decision of the Soviet Air Force Command. At present all aircraft in the Russian Air Force are flying with fully operational guns.[7]

It is also used in the SPPU-6 gun pod, which can traverse to -45° elevation, and +-45° azimuth.[8]

Variants[edit]

  • Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23M; a modernized version.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Gordon, Komissarov, Yefim, Dmitriy. "Flight Craft 8: Mikoyan MiG-31: Defender of the Homeland". Google Books.
  2. ^ Fillipov, Alexei. "Nobody Does It Better: Russian Aircraft Cannons Outgun America's". Sputnik International. Sputnik.
  3. ^ Skaarup, Harold. "Canadian MiG Flights". Google Books.
  4. ^ https://books.google.pl/books?id=P7LWCgAAQBAJ&pg=RA1-PA67&lpg=RA1-PA67&dq=gsh-6-23m&source=bl&ots=19WfmyYfTb&sig=-neR4iRdUiDEphleKeYJLtLrx84&hl=pl&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi2853R7uXcAhWJv1QKHejJAzQQ6AEwF3oECCgQAQ#v=onepage&q=gsh-6-23m&f=false
  5. ^ "From 20mm to 25mm - The Russian Ammunition Page". Retrieved 26 November 2014.
  6. ^ "Untitled Document". Retrieved 26 November 2014.
  7. ^ "Untitled Document". Retrieved 26 November 2014.
  8. ^ http://weaponsystems.net/weaponsystem/HH13%20-%20SPPU-6.html

Sources[edit]

External links[edit]