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Browning M3
The Browning M3 aircraft gun is an extensively modified M2 aircraft gun that could be fired remotely by the pilot or gunner of a jet aircraft, helicopter or light fixed-wing aircraft. The gun is distinguished by a massive pneumatic buffer at the rear of the receiver and a muzzle booster cap at the end of the barrel jacket. The gun was extensively used on late 1940s and early 1950s fighters until supplanted by 20mm cannons. No sights are furnished on the gun because the sights are considered a part of the airplane. Changes to the M3 gun relative to the M2 are: the bolt assembly, oil buffer body, and barrel extension are modified. The pneumatic buffer on the M3 is designed to absorb the greater recoil forces attendant to the gun's higher cyclic rate. The most famous use of the M3 was by the American F-86 Sabres against the Communist MiG-15s during the Korean War. Also used F-80, F-84, F-94, T-33, B-45, B-52, UH-1, HH-53.
A new version of the M3 called a GAU-21 made by Fabrique Nationale has been adopted by the US Military for use in aircraft and anti-aircraft vehicles. It will be capable of being mounted on each of the following aircraft CH-46, CH-53, H-60, UH-1, and MV-22. Also mounted on M1097 Avenger HMMWV.
Specifications
Browning M3 Aircraft
- Browning M3 Aircraft Machine Gun.
- Length: 56.25 inches
- Barrel Length: 36 inches
- Weight:
- :Gun: 61 pounds
- :
- :
- Muzzle Velocity: 2840 feet per second
- Maximum effective range: 2,200 meters
- Maximum range: 7,400 meter
- Cyclic rate of fire: 1150-1250 rounds per minute
FN GAU-21 Aircraft
- FN GAU-21 Aircraft Machine Gun.
- Length: 66.50 inches
- Barrel Length: 36 inches
- Weight:
- :Gun: 79.90 pounds
- :
- :
- Muzzle Velocity: 2840 feet per second
- Maximum effective range: 1,850 meters
- Maximum range: 6,500 meter
- Cyclic rate of fire: 950-1150 rounds per minute
The Browning M3 heavy machine gun appears in the following films used by the following actors
Film
- Door-mounted on a U.S. Navy SH-60 Seahawk helicopter in Tears of the Sun
- Mounted in nose section of F-86 Sabres in The Hunters (1958)
- Mounted in nose section of F-86 Sabres in Jet Pilot (1957)
- Mounted in nose section of F-86 Sabres in The Iron Giant
- Mounted in tail of B-52 Stratofortress in Iron Eagle II
- Mounted in tail of B-52 Stratofortress in Dawn's Early Light
- Mounted in SUU-12/A gun pod on "Scorpion attack helicopter" in Fire Birds