20MM MK 4 MOD O GUN POD FLIGHT TEST OF THREE PODS INSTALLED ON A4 AIRPLANE AT NAVAL ORDNANCE TEST STATION CHINA LAKE, CALIFORNIA. 15 APRIL TO 20 JULY 1963
Abstract
Tests demonstrated that one, two, or three 20mm Mk 4 gun pods can be installed, flown, and fired from the A4 airplane without aircraft structural changes or added flight restrictions. The three-pod installation increased the firepower capability of the A4 airplane to 12,600 shotsper-minute. Pilots reported no adverse flight conditions during any flight maneuver and no adverse effects to control functions during either symmetrical or asymmetrical firing of a multiple pod system. Vibration and muzzle blast effects were at an acceptable level. Peformance was the same as that with comparable inert stores. Operational limits were pushed upward during these tests above those previously used for a single pod installation. Firing was accomplished under accelerations of 5.5G, a 50% increase. Burst length was increased to a four-second maximum in flight. Firepower was increased to 12,600 shots per minute, a 300% increase. Rounds capacity was increased to 2250, a 300% increase. The successful operation of the Mk 4 pod under high altitude, low temperature and icing conditions (cold- sweat-cold) and during sustained speeds within a range of 280 - 450 KIAS was demonstrated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 20, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0427049