GSh-301:
The Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 (also known by the service designation 9A-4071K) is a 30 mm cannon designed for use on Soviet and later Russian military aircraft, entering service in the early 1980s. Its current manufacturer is the Russian company Izhmash JSC.
Originally based on the 2A42 cannon for infantry fighting vehicle use, the GSh-30-1 is a single-barreled, gas-operated cannon weighing 46 kg (101 lb). Unlike many postwar cannons, it is linear action, not a revolver cannon or Gatling gun, with the Russians feeling that the reduction in rate of fire is compensated by reduced mass and bulk.
The GSh-30-1 has a rate of fire of 1,800 rounds per minute, customarily limited to 1,500 rounds per minute to reduce barrel wear. Despite that, its barrel life is quite short, estimated at perhaps 2,000 rounds. This is owed to the gun's accuracy. The tighter barrel dimensions lead to greater wear and tear, but significantly improve accuracy. The manufacturer claims its maximum effective range against aerial targets is 1,200 to 1,800 m (3,900 to 5,900 ft).
In combination with a laser rangefinding/targeting system, it is reported to be extremely accurate as well as powerful, capable of destroying a target with as few as three to five rounds. It has been deployed on several different types of vehicles, including helicopters, fighter aircraft, and IFVs.
Its nearest US competitor would most likely be the General Electric M61 Vulcan cannon used on most US fighters since the general Vietnam timespan. This cannon, while only of 20 mm size, has a firing rate of 6,000 rounds per minute. The 20 mm size, however, limits range and power per round. It is perhaps important to note that US aircraft may come with up to 940 rounds (this for the F-15 Eagle).
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