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The Kalashnikov company has recently announced a boost in the production of its GSh-301 guns, pivotal components in the combat aircraft used by the Russian Aerospace Forces [VKS]. Though specific figures on the scale of production increase remain undisclosed, there’s a notable uptick in production within the Rostec consortium, surpassing 2023 levels. This surge highlights a heightened demand for military hardware amid ongoing military engagements, underscoring the growing pressure on Russia’s defense industry.
Known informally among pilots and ground crews as the “dancer,” the GSh-301 is a single-barreled gun renowned for its immense firepower during air operations. This formidable weapon forms a crucial part of the arsenal for various Russian fighters, including models like the MiG-29, MiG-29K/KUB, Su-27, Su-30, Su-35, and the Su-34 tactical attack aircraft. Its design is celebrated for being lightweight and compact, ensuring it’s seamlessly integrated into diverse platforms without compromising the aircraft’s agility.
The journey of the GSh-301 started back in 1983 when it entered serial production at the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant, now under the Kalashnikov umbrella. This innovative gun is a product of the collaborative efforts of Vasily Gryazev and Arkady Shipunov, two esteemed Russian weapons engineers from the Tula Design Bureau of Instrumentation. Their mission was to craft a gun with outstanding firepower that remained reliable and straightforward, even amidst the battlefield’s most challenging conditions.
In recent years, the GSh-301 gun has become a significant player in Russian military operations in Ukraine. Kalashnikov representatives have reported no serious technical issues with the weapon during these missions, underscoring its reliability and exceptional manufacturing quality. This is vital considering the complex nature of air operations and the intense combat scenarios, where any malfunction could lead to critical problems.
The ramped-up production of the GSh-301 likely stems from the need to replace worn-out or damaged equipment actively deployed on the battlefield. Particular focus is placed on Sukhoi aircraft models like the Su-30, Su-35, and Su-34. These planes, celebrated for their maneuverability and firepower, often feature the GSh-301 gun, enhancing their efficacy during challenging air operations.
Additionally, some of this increased production probably aims at equipping newly manufactured aircraft rolling out from United Aircraft Corporation [UAC] factories. These facilities produce both upgraded models of existing aircraft and entirely new platforms delivered to the VKS. This surge in production might also fulfill government contracts to replace aircraft lost in action and to replenish the Russian army’s reserves, which have been diminished since the conflict began in February 2022.
The GSh-301 remains an integral part of Russia’s aviation arsenal, demonstrating its value not just through its formidable firepower, but also with its remarkable resilience in actual combat settings. With ongoing technological advancements from Russia’s military-industrial sector, this cannon is set to remain a fundamental asset for the Russian Aerospace Forces.
The GSh-301 is a 30 mm single-barrel automatic cannon, engineered to maximize firepower while minimizing weight and size. Weighing approximately 46 kilograms, it is impressively light for its category. This allows aircraft equipped with it to retain high maneuverability and operational effectiveness without the burden of cumbersome weapons. Its impressive rate of fire, up to 1,500 rounds per minute, is crucial in securing dominance in aerial encounters where every moment counts.
Firing 30×165 mm cartridges, this weapon accommodates a variety of ammunition types, including high-explosive, armor-piercing, and incendiary rounds. Such versatility makes it adept at engaging both aerial and terrestrial targets. Ammunition is carefully selected to balance penetration with explosive force, enabling the effective destruction of armored vehicles, aerial adversaries, and fortified positions.
The GSh-301 operates with a clever mechanism that uses gases removed from the muzzle, which significantly reduces recoil. This is crucial for aircraft, as less recoil means the plane stays stable during firing. What makes it even better is the simpler automation, bolstering the gun’s reliability, even in tough conditions like vibrations, extreme temperatures, or dusty combat zones.
When fired, the projectile travels at an impressive 860 meters per second, delivering precision and power over long distances. Its high muzzle velocity and tight trajectory make it effective in long-range engagements, which is especially essential during fast-paced aerial dogfights. With an effective range of 1,800 meters, planes equipped with the GSh-301 can strike from a safe distance.
A belt mechanism supplies the ammunition, ensuring a steady stream of fire. Though it holds only about 150 to 180 rounds, the gun’s design optimizes its use, thanks to its rapid-fire rate and high accuracy. The tape system is designed to minimize jamming or mechanical issues during heavy action, making it reliable in intense aerial operations.
The GSh-301 is crafted with top-notch materials designed to withstand intense usage and extended operational timelines. Its durability is impressive, requiring minimal upkeep—perfect for the demands of high-intensity combat. Thanks to its modular design, maintenance is a breeze, enabling quick part swaps in the field without needing intricate tools or specialized gear.
With its remarkable power, the GSh-301 stands out among aircraft guns in its class, offering an exceptional balance of weight, firepower, and reliability. It’s tailored specifically for modern combat aircraft, where achieving a high rate of fire while minimizing weight is key to mission success.
BULGARIAN MILITARY