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30mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-301



Overview


GSh-301

Right side view of GSh-301 autocannon with ammunition belt in place.
Source: www.aviationz.narod.ru - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Autocannon
Entered service
Early 1980's
Status
In service
Development
1977
Developer
Soviet Union - V. Gryazev & A. Shipunov
Production
1980 - present
Producer
Russia - Izhmash
Russia - Izhmash
Designations
9A-4071K
GRAU index
GSh-30-1

Description


Introduction

The GSh-301 is a modern Soviet single barrel autocannon with a high rate of fire. It arms the two most common types of Soviet multirole fighters, the MiG-29 and the larger Su-27. A unique feature is the low weight. Autocannon with similar caliber and firepower are often twice as heavy.

Design

The GSh-301 was developed to be very light and have an instant high rate of fire. With modern fighter aircraft the engagement enveloppe often lasts only a fraction of a second. These features were achieved by using the short recoil mechanism and lightweight materials. In the West modern aircraft cannon are usually revolver or gatling type weapons.

Firepower

The GSh-301 fires the 30x165mm round at a rate of fire of 1.500 to 1.800 rpm. In practice short bursts are fired. A 100 round continuous burst is said to destroy the barrel. Effective range is quoted as 200 to 800 m against aerial targets and 1.200 to 1.800 m against ground targets. Combined with a targeting computer and laser range finder accuracy is reported to be good.

Platforms

The GSh-301 arms the two most common types of Soviet multirole fighters, the MiG-29 and Su-27. It is also used in the various aircraft derived from the Su-27, including the Su-30, Su-33, Su-34 and Su-35. A gun pod was designed around the GSh-301, but was produced only in very limited numbers.

Details


GSh-301

Right side view of GSh-301 autocannon on display with ammunition belt in place.
Source: JNO - © public domain

30mm GSh-301

The GSh-301 is a single barrel autocannon operating on the short recoil principle. There are no variants of the GSh-301. The GSh-301 can be identified by the small gun housing, the feed mechanism located at the rear and ribbed barrel.

Facts GSh-301
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Autocannon for aircraft use
Action
Short recoil operated
Feed
Single belt feed
Dimensions
Length
1.978 m
Width
156 mm
Height
185 mm
Weight
46 kg without ammunition
Barrel length
1.50 m
Firepower
Caliber
30x165mm Soviet
Rate of fire
1.500 to 1.800 rpm
Muzzle velocity
860 m/s
Barrel life
2.000 rounds, with regular use

Media


Related articles


BK-27

The German BK-27 is an autocannon with similar characteristics as the GSh-301.