Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23

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.[3]

Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23
GSh-6-23M on the installation of 9-EYU-768K, designed to equip the MiG-31 interceptor
TypeRotary cannon
Place of originSoviet Union
Service history
In service1975-present
Production history
DesignerVassily P. Gryazev and Arkady G. Shipunov
ManufacturerKBP Instrument Design Bureau Tula
Specifications
Mass73–76 kg (161–167 lb)
Length1.4 m (4 ft 7 in)
Barrel length1 m (3 ft 34 in)
Height18 cm (7 in)
Cartridge23×115mm AM-23
Caliber23 mm
Barrels6
ActionGas-operated
Rate of fire6,000–8,000 (standard).[1] 9,000–10,000 rpm (alleged maximum).[2]
Muzzle velocity715 m/s (2345 ft/s)
Feed systemBelt or linkless feed system

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.

Second from the left GSh-6-23

The GSh-6-23 uses the 23×115 Russian AM-23 round, fed via linked cartridge belt or a linkless feed system.[4] The linkless system, adopted after numerous problems and failures with the belt feed, is limited.[5] 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 cannon 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 ammunition tank in less than two seconds.

GSh-6-23M has the highest rate of fire out of any autocannon so far.[6]

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

See also

References
  1. Gordon, Komissarov, Yefim, Dmitriy (30 October 2011). Flight Craft 8: Mikoyan MiG-31: Defender of the Homeland. Pen & Sword Books Limited. ISBN 9781473869202.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. Skaarup, Harold (May 2008). Canadian MiG Flights. iUniverse. ISBN 9780595520718.
  3. Gordon, Yefim; Komissarov, Dmitriy (30 October 2011). Flight Craft 8: Mikoyan MiG-31: Defender of the Homeland. Pen & Sword Books Limited. ISBN 9781473869202.
  4. "From 20mm to 25mm - The Russian Ammunition Page". Retrieved 26 November 2014.
  5. "Untitled Document". Archived from the original on 21 May 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
  6. "GSh-6-23M".
  7. "Untitled Document". Archived from the original on 21 May 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
  8. "SPPU-6".

Sources

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