The Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23 is a Russian-designed, six-barrel, 23mm Gatling-type rotary cannon developed in the Soviet Union. Known for its high rate of fire, the GSh-6-23 (designated “ГШ-6-23” in Russian) was created by Vassily Gryazev and Arkady Shipunov, two prominent Soviet weapons designers who specialized in aircraft and anti-aircraft weaponry. First introduced in the 1970s, it became one of the most powerful aircraft guns in the world, used primarily on Soviet and later Russian military aircraft.
Development and Design
The GSh-6-23 was developed to fulfill a need for a high-caliber, rapid-firing cannon for interceptors and fighters. Unlike other Gatling-style cannons that rely on external power sources to drive the barrels, the GSh-6-23 utilizes a gas-operated mechanism, where the gas pressure generated by firing the cartridges rotates the barrels. This design makes it lighter and more compact than other rotary cannons, allowing it to achieve extremely high rates of fire without the additional weight of an electric motor.
The cannon is chambered for the 23x115mm round, which has a high muzzle velocity and considerable destructive power, especially when used in air-to-air engagements. The high rate of fire—up to 9,000 rounds per minute in some versions—allowed it to saturate a target with rounds quickly, improving the likelihood of disabling enemy aircraft or missiles.
Operational Use
The GSh-6-23 is most commonly mounted on Soviet and Russian military aircraft, including the MiG-31 interceptor and the Su-24 strike fighter. It is usually installed in internal gun pods, with ammunition belts that can be fed continuously as long as rounds are available. Its incredible rate of fire allows it to rapidly engage enemy aircraft, ground targets, or incoming missiles. However, this also means that it can expend its ammunition within a few seconds at maximum rate, which limits its operational time in combat. The GSh-6-23’s effectiveness has been noted in air combat, but it is also used as a ground-attack weapon, given its ability to destroy light armored vehicles and other ground targets.
Variants and Legacy
Several variants of the GSh-6-23 exist, including modifications for improved reliability and adjustments for different aircraft mounts. The most notable variant is the GSh-6-23M, which has slight design improvements for increased durability and operational stability. Although other Gatling guns have replaced it in some roles, particularly as advancements in missile technology have made guns less critical for aerial combat, the GSh-6-23 remains a powerful weapon in the Russian arsenal.
The GSh-6-23 is one of the most iconic examples of Soviet and Russian rotary cannon technology and has influenced rotary cannon designs worldwide. It remains an enduring symbol of the Soviet approach to aircraft weaponry: favoring high rates of fire and immense destructive power, often at the expense of ammunition capacity.
General Information
- Name: GSh-6-23 (ГШ-6-23 in Russian)
- Designation: 9A-620
- Type: Gas-operated rotary cannon
- Country of Origin: Soviet Union
- Designer(s): Vassily Gryazev and Arkady Shipunov
- Manufacturer: KBP Instrument Design Bureau
- Year of Introduction: 1970s
Specifications
- Caliber: 23 mm
- Ammunition Type: 23x115mm rounds
- Rate of Fire: Approximately 6,000–9,000 rounds per minute, depending on the model and operating conditions
- Muzzle Velocity: ~715–740 m/s (meters per second)
- Weight (gun only): Approximately 73 kg (160 lbs)
- Length: 1,400 mm (1.4 meters)
- Barrel Length: 1000 mm
- Feed System: Linked belt feed or internal drum magazine depending on aircraft installation
- Operation Type: Gas-operated rotary (Gatling-type) with six barrels
Key Characteristics
- High Rate of Fire: The GSh-6-23 can fire up to 9,000 rounds per minute, making it one of the fastest-firing aircraft guns in the world. This high rate of fire is suitable for intercepting fast-moving targets and saturating them with a dense stream of projectiles.
- Gas-Operated Mechanism: Unlike electric-driven Gatling guns, the GSh-6-23 uses a gas-operated system, where the rotation of the barrels is powered by the gases produced by firing rounds. This reduces weight and the need for an external power source, although it introduces increased mechanical complexity.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing around 73 kg, the GSh-6-23 is relatively lightweight for its firepower, making it suitable for a variety of aircraft without excessive impact on performance.
- Ammunition: The 23x115mm round provides substantial stopping power, effective against lightly armored targets and capable of causing severe damage to aircraft in air-to-air engagements.
- Aircraft Compatibility: The GSh-6-23 has been used in various Soviet and Russian aircraft, most notably:
- MiG-31: A high-speed interceptor that benefits from the GSh-6-23’s rapid-fire capabilities.
- Su-24: A tactical bomber that uses the cannon for ground attack roles.
- GSh-6-23L: A variant used in gun pods that can be mounted externally on different aircraft.
- Effective Range: Around 200 to 800 meters for air-to-air combat, although effective ground-to-air or air-to-ground ranges may vary depending on the engagement type.
- Rapid Ammunition Expenditure: Given its extremely high rate of fire, the GSh-6-23 can expend its ammunition quickly, with typical ammunition supplies lasting only a few seconds in sustained fire.
Operational Considerations
- Strengths: Exceptional rate of fire, high destructive power, versatility for both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
- Limitations: High ammunition consumption rate; gas-operated mechanism adds complexity and can be more prone to maintenance requirements compared to electric-driven counterparts.
Variants
- GSh-6-23M: An upgraded model with improvements in reliability, commonly used on later models of compatible aircraft.
- GSh-6-23L: A variant used in gun pods, allowing the cannon to be fitted externally on aircraft without integrated internal mounting.
The GSh-6-23 remains an example of high-performance Soviet and Russian aircraft weaponry, balancing power and compactness to support rapid engagement needs in aerial and ground combat scenarios.