M61A1 Vulcan 20mm cannon

The M61A1 Vulcan cannon is a six-barrel 20mm gun capable of firing 6,000 rounds per minute. Its operation is based upon the principle used in the rapid-firing gun invented by Richard J. Gatling in the 1860s.

The six rotating barrels, firing one at a time, permit a high rate of fire while at the same time reducing the problem of barrel wear and heat generation. The gun can be driven electrically, hydraulically, or by a ram-air turbine.

In the F16 it is hydraulically driven. The Vulcan has equipped such USAF aircraft as the F-104, F-105B/D/F, F-15, F-16, A-7D, F-111A, F-4E, B-58, and B-52H.

Vulcan Cannon Specifications

Length: 1,875mm (73.8in)
Weight: 120kg (265lbs)
Muzzle Velocity: 1,036m/s (3,400ft/s)
Rate of Fire: Max 6,600 rps (can be set to 4,000 or 6,000)

Vulcan Cannon Pictures Gallery

Source:

www.avitop.com/interact/gun.htm,
www.f-16.net/f-16_armament_article5.html