Strana 17
SPPU – 22 – 01 containers were originally developed for Su-17M3/M4 fighter-bombers (export variant Su-22M3/M4), and were later extended to MiG-27K/M/D
series aircraft and Su-25 attack aircraft. The photo shows an SPPU – 22 – 01 on a Su-22M4 aircraft.
GSh-23L aircraft cannon in a UPK-23-250 pod. With pre-flight preparation completed, the cannon is ready
to fulfill its training role at the aircraft shooting range.
Some types of aircraft and helicopters are
equipped with a modified version of the
weapon, additionally equipped with a muzzle
brake, which also acts as a flame damper, with
the exhaust gases venting outside the aircraft
structure. It is designated GŠ-23L, where the
letter ‘L’ indicates the version ‘Lokalizator’ -
muzzle brake.
The prototype of the twin barreled cannon
was produced in 1958, under the designation
AO-9, and officially entered service in 1959
under the designation GSh-23, index 9-A-472.
The principle of operation of this type of
weapon was described by German engineer
Karl Gast during the First World War.
It became the main integrated gun armament
of the second generation of MiG aircraft, the
MiG-21MF, SMT, bis and later the MiG-23BN,
MF, ML, as well as in the gun positions of
Il-76 strategic airlifters and Tu-22M bombers,
among others. Additionally, special containers
housing this weapon were produced as the
UPK-23-250 to be hung under aircraft or as
removable items in gun positions as the SPPU-
22-01. They are interesting in their ability to
change their deflections in the vertical plane
when firing into the front hemisphere by 30°,
and when mounting the container for firing
into the rear hemisphere by 23°.
GSh-23L aircraft cannon mounted in a UPK-23-250
universal cannon container on a Mil Mi-24V attack
helicopter. The front aerodynamic cowling is dismantled
for pre-flight inspection and is carried out in association
with charging the unit for live fire operation.
INFO Eduard
17
October 2025
TECHNICS / EQUIPMENT