M197

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M197


M197 cannon on a UH-1B "Huey" support helicopter

General Information
Military designation: M197
Manufacturer country: United States
Developer / Manufacturer: General Dynamics
Weapon Category: Gatling cannon
Technical specifications
Caliber :

20 × 102 mm

Number of trains : 9
Twist : right progressive
Cadence : 730 (-1500) rounds / min
Furnishing
Ammunition supply: strapped
Drive: electric
Muzzle velocity: 1030-1050 m / s

The M197 is an electrically externally powered three - barrel Gatling automatic cannon in caliber 20 × 102 mm, which was developed primarily for use in attack helicopters and MK weapons containers. The weapon is currently being manufactured by General Dynamics Ordonance and Tactical Systems .

development

The development of the M197 began in 1967 after the experience of the Vietnam War that the existing 7.62 mm minigun gatling guns were too weak a caliber for attack and support helicopters (so-called gunship). The M197 is basically a lighter M61 Vulcan -Gatling cannon with three instead of six barrels. The maximum rate of fire is a quarter of the Vulcan to reduce recoil for use in light aircraft and helicopters. The weapon is equipped with 700 rounds of belted ammunition in 20 mm caliber. The ammunition of the M50 and PGU series can be used in both the Vulcan and the M197. The cannon has a (theoretical) rate of fire of 730 rounds per minute (± 50 rounds). In combat, bursts of 30 to 50 rounds are usually fired. The weapon is also manufactured under license in Italy by Alenia and Turkey by Roketsan (as ™ -197).

Use in gun turrets

The M197 was introduced in the later models of the AH-1 Cobra (AH-1J to AH-1Z) with the M97 turret. The earlier AH-1s previously used A / A49E-7 chin gun stations with 7.62mm machine guns. An M197 was also experimentally installed in a rotating weapon station under the rear part of the fuselage in the YOV-10D "Bronco" . Furthermore, the M197 in weapons containers GPU-2A has been installed, which includes the gun itself, the electric drive, a battery and the beltless, 300 rounds of ammunition comprehensive. The M197 remains in use in the latest version of the AH-1Z "Viper" attack helicopter. Although the Gatling principle is very reliable, the ammunition feed has weaknesses due to ammunition jams. Navy pilots report an alarmingly high jam rate of up to 30%. The USMC and the manufacturer are aware of this problem, but no technical solution has yet been found for the AH-1Z either. Meanwhile, the crews have worked out techniques to reduce the risk of jams.

Weapon mounts

credentials