The Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23 (GRAU designation: 9A-620 for GSh-6-23, 9A-768 for GSh-6-23M modernized variant) is a powerful, fast-firing six-barreled 23 mm Gatling gun used by some modern Soviet/Russian military aircraft.
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. Although the engineering difficulties involved in producing a gas-operated rotary cannon with such a high rate of fire are considerable, they create less of a drain on the aircraft's power systems, and they accelerate to their maximum rate of fire much more quickly. There is less "spin-up" time for the barrels than with an externally powered rotary cannon,[citation needed] a significant advantage in aerial combat, where the window of opportunity to place multiple rounds on target can be vanishingly short.
The GSh-6-23 uses the 23x115 Russian AM-23 round, fed via linked cartridge belt or a linkless feed system. The linkless system, adopted after problems with the belt feed, is limited to 8,500 rpm. Fire control is electrical, using a 27v 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 GSh-6-23 has an extremely high rate of fire, with maximum cyclic rates of 9,000 to 10,000 rounds per minute. Compared to the U.S. M61 Vulcan, the GSh-6-23 fires 50-66% more rounds per minute, has a heavier projectile, but lower muzzle velocity. The weapon is also lighter and shorter. The rapid rate of fire exhausts ammunition quickly: the MiG-31(800 rounds maximum) aircraft, for example, with 260 rounds of ammunition, would empty its magazine in less than two seconds.
The GSh-6-23 is used by the now-obsolete Sukhoi Su-15 'Flagon', the Sukhoi Su-24 'Fencer' attack aircraft, the MiG-31 'Foxhound' interceptor aircraft, and others. However, after two Su-24 were lost because of premature shell detonation in 1983, plus some different problems with gun usage (system failures, etc.), usage of the GSh-6-23 was stopped by a decision of the Soviet A.F. Command. For now all aircraft in the Russian A.F. are flying with fully operational guns, but without ammunition.
It is also used in the SPPU-6 gun pod, which can traverse to -45° elevation, and +-45° azimuth.
SCREENSHOOT
| Type | Autocannon |
|---|---|
| Place of origin |  Soviet Union/ Russia |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Vassily P. Gryazev and Arkady G. Shipunov |
| Manufacturer | KBP Instrument Design Bureau Tula |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 73-76 kg (161-167 lb) |
| Length | 1.4 m (4 ft 7 in) |
| Height | 18 cm (7 in) |
| | |
| Cartridge | 23×115mm AM-23 |
| Barrels | 6, Rifled |
| Action | Gatling, Gas-operated |
| Rate of fire | 10,000 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 715 m/s (2345 ft/s) |
| Feed system | Belt or linkless feed system |
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