XM301
| XM301 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Three- 20×102mm |
| Shell weight | 100 grams (3.5 oz) (HEI projectile) |
| Caliber | 20 millimetres (0.79 in) |
| Barrels | 3 |
| Action | Hydraulically operated, electrically fired, Gatling |
| Rate of fire | 750 or 1,500 rounds per minute[2] |
| Muzzle velocity | 3,380 feet per second (1,030 m/s) (with PGU-28/B round)[3] |
| Feed system | Belt or linkless feed system[3] |
The XM301 Cannon was an externally powered, three-barrel
Description
The XM301 is a lightweight, three-barrel version of the M61 Vulcan. It is externally powered, relying on the same power delivery system as the Vulcan. It fires M50 and PGU-series ammunition found in the Vulcan, as well as newer lightweight X1031/1032 aluminum-cased ammunition at either 750 or 1,500 rounds per minute.[2] Designed for use in combat helicopters, the XM301 boasts a dispersion of 2.2 milliradians, making it accurate at long ranges.[3] The XM301 weighs 80.5 pounds, less than a third the weight of the Vulcan. It can hold 500 rounds of ammunition and is able to be field-reloaded in 15 minutes.[4] The turret allows an aiming range of +15° to -45° in elevation and ±120° azimuth. It may be stored at +2° in elevation and 180° azimuth in order to reduce radar cross-section.[4]
Development
Development on the XM301 began in 2001 as part of the
References
- ^ a b Jane's Air-Launched Weapons, Ewen Southby-Tailyour (2005)
- ^ a b "XM301 20mm cannon". Retrieved 2011-07-06.
- ^ a b c d "XM301 Spec Sheet" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 22, 2013. Retrieved 2011-07-06.
- ^ a b c "XM301 20mm cannon". Retrieved 2011-07-06.
- ^ a b "XM-301/XM301". Retrieved 2011-07-06.