Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-2

The Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-2 (ГШ-30-2) or GSh-2-30 is a powerful dual-barrel autocannon developed for use on certain Soviet military aircraft.

The cannon is not related to the Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1, but is a heavy-duty recoil-operated weapon utilizing the Gast principle, like the Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L. Rate of fire is about 3,000 rounds per minute. The weapon is designed to be rugged and resistant to dirt; this makes it relatively heavy. Depleted uranium enhanced armor-piercing shells suitable for the GSh-30-2 are operationally qualified.

The GSh-30-2 is carried by the Sukhoi Su-25 ground attack plane and in external gun pods. It measures 2044 × 222 × 195 mm, with a barrel length of 1500 mm and a weight of 105 kg. The GSh-30K is a modified version with 2400 mm long water-cooled barrels, a variable rate of fire, and dimensions of 2944 × 222 × 195 mm. It is used on a fixed mounting on late model Mi-24 helicopters, e.g. the Mi-24P.

Specifications (GSh-30-2)

 * Manufacturer: KBP Instrument Design Bureau
 * Type: dual-barrel automatic cannon
 * Caliber: 30x165 mm, electrically primed
 * Operation: Gast principle
 * Length: 2044 mm
 * Barrel Length: 1500 mm
 * Weight (complete): 105 kg
 * Rate of fire: 3000 rpm
 * Muzzle velocity: 870 m/s
 * Projectile weight: 390 g
 * Mounting platforms: Sukhoi Su-25 "Frogfoot"

Specifications (GSh-30-2K)

 * Manufacturer: KBP Instrument Design Bureau
 * Type: dual-barrel automatic cannon
 * Caliber: 30x165 mm
 * Operation: Gast principle
 * Length: 2944 mm
 * Barrel Length: 2400 mm
 * Weight (complete): 126 kg
 * Rate of fire: 300 rpm (low) - 2,000~2,600 rpm (high)
 * Muzzle velocity: 940 m/s
 * Projectile weight: 390 g
 * Mounting platforms: Mil Mi-24P "Hind"