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INCH-POUND

MIL-DTL-45500E
18 December 1996
SUPERSEDING
MIL-G-45500D
30 July 1994

DETAIL SPECIFICATION

GUN, AUTOMATIC, 20MM,

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR

This specification is approved for use by all Departments and

Agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. SCOPE

1.1 Scope. This specification covers the general requirements

for multi-barrel, electrically fired, 20 millimeter (mm) automatic
guns. Additional requirements for specific models of the 20mm
automatic gun are on specification sheets which are included as a
part of this specification.

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

2.1 General. The documents listed in this section are

specified in sections 3, 4, and 5 of this specification. This
section does not include documents cited in other sections of
this specification or recommended for additional information or
as examples. While every effort has been made to ensure the
completeness of this list, document users are cautioned that they
must meet all requirements documents cited in sections 3, 4, and
5 of this specification, whether or not they are listed.

Beneficial comments (recommendations, additions, deletions) and any

pertinent data which may be of use in improving this document, should be
addressed to: Commander, U.S. Army ARDEC, ATTN: AMSTA-AR-EDE-S, Picatinny
Arsenal, New Jersey 07806-5000 by using the Standardization Document
Improvement Proposal (DD Form 1426) appearing at the end of this document or
by letter.

AMSC N/A FSC 1005

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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2.2 Government documents.

2.2.1 Specifications, standards, and handbooks. The

following specifications, standards, and handbooks form a part of
this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise
specified, the issues of these documents are those listed in the
issue of the Department of Defense Index of Specifications and
Standards (DODISS) and supplement thereto, cited in the
solicitation (see 6.2).

SPECIFICATIONS

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

MIL-W-13855 Weapons: Small Arms and Aircraft Armament

Subsystems, General Specification For

MIL-P-14232 Parts, Equipment and Tools for Army

Materiel, Packaging Of

(Unless otherwise indicated, copies of the above specifications,

standards, and handbooks are available from DODSSP - Customer
Service, Standardization Documents Order Desk, 700 Robbins Avenue,
Bldg. 4D, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094.)

2.2.2 Other Government documents, drawings, and publications.

The following other Government documents, drawings, and publications
form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless
otherwise specified, the issues are those cited in the solicitation.

DRAWINGS

F7273689 Gage, Flush Pin

C7797956 Gage, Boresight

Drawings applicable to the individual 20mm Automatic Gun

will be as specified in the applicable specification sheets.

(Copies of other Government documents, drawings, and publications

required by contractors in connection with specific acquisition
functions should be obtained from the contracting activity or as
directed by the contracting activity.)

2.3 Non-Government publications. The following documents form a

part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless

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otherwise specified, the issues of the documents which are DoD

adopted are those listed in the issue of the DODISS cited in the
solicitation. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of docu-
ments not listed in the DODISS are the issues of the documents
cited in the solicitation (see 6.2).

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE/

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR QUALITY CONTROL

ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables

for Inspection by Attributes

ANSI/ASQC A8402 Quality Management and Quality

Assurance Vocabulary

(Application for copies should be addressed to the American

Society for Quality Control, 611 East Wisconsin Avenue, P.O. Box
3005, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-1734)

2.4 Order of precedence. In the event of a conflict

between the text of this document and the references cited
herein, the text of this document takes precedence. Nothing in
this document, however, supersedes applicable laws and
regulations unless a specific exemption has been obtained. (See
contract provisions for additional precedence criteria).

3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Specification sheets. The individual item requirements

shall be as specified herein and in accordance with the
applicable specification sheet. In the event of any conflict
between the requirements of this specification and the specifi-
cation sheet, the latter shall govern.

3.2 First article. Requirements for submission of the

first article shall be as specified in the contract (see 6.1).
Unless otherwise specified (see 6.2), the first article (see 4.4)
shall include the pilot pack (see 6.2).

3.3 Material, construction and design. Guns shall conform

to the material, construction and design requirements specified
herein, those specified in MIL-W-13855, and those specified on
drawings referenced in applicable specification sheets.

3.3.1 Barrels. Finished barrels, or slave barrels (for

guns procured without barrels), when assembled to the rotor and
housing, and fitted with barrel clamps shall meet the targeting
and accuracy requirements specified herein. The barrels shall

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assemble and disassemble from the rotor assembly without the use
of tools.

3.3.1.1 New barrels. New barrels shall be free of cracks,

seams, and mutilations. The bore and chamber shall be free of
foreign matter, corrosion, pits, burrs, sharp edges, bulges and
deformations. The chromium plating in the chamber and bore shall
be free of nodules, anode burns, flaking and stripping. Scratches
or marks in the chamber which meet the surface roughness require-
ments shall be permitted provided they do not cause marks on the
case of a high pressure test cartridge fired in the chamber. New
barrels shall be marked for proof firing and magnetic particle
inspection in accordance with applicable drawings.

3.3.2 Barrel clamps. Unless the gun is procured without

barrels the barrel clamps shall be fastened securely to the
barrels as specified on the applicable drawing.

3.3.3 Breech bolt assemblies. The breech bolt assemblies

shall be marked in accordance with the applicable drawings after
being proof fired and magnetic particle inspected. The breech
bolt assemblies shall move without binding on the trackways of
the rotor. The roller, shaft, locking block, firing pin cam, and
the firing pin shall be retained in the breech bolt body and
shall move without binding. The firing cam pin insulator and the
firing pin insulator assembly shall be retained in the breech
bolt body. When the shaft assembly is depressed, the locking
block shall move into the lock position and shall allow the
firing pin cam to be fully depressed. When the firing pin cam is
depressed, it shall move the firing pin forward. When the shaft
assembly is raised, the locking block shall move to the unlocked
position, the firing pin cam shall return to its original posi-
tion, and the firing pin shall retract into the breech bolt body.

3.3.4 Cams, locking and unlocking. The locking cam and

front and rear unlocking cams shall be positioned and securely
fastened to the housing assembly in accordance with the
applicable drawings.

3.3.5 Clearing sector assembly. The clearing sector

assembly shall be retained on the housing assembly by the spring
pin and shall function through its full range of travel without
binding. When the clearing sector is manually moved into
clearing position and the rotor is manually rotated in the
direction of the arrow, the breech bolt assemblies shall enter
the clearing track of the housing without sticking or binding.
When the clearing sector assembly is released out of clearing
position by its return spring and the rotor is rotated, the
breech bolt assemblies shall enter the main cam of the housing
without sticking or binding. This is applicable to all guns

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except the M197 and M197E1 gun, which does not have a clearing
sector.

3.3.6 End plate. The end plate shall be positioned by

dowel pins and retained on the housing by the coupling clamp.
There shall be no relative movement of these parts.

3.3.7 Firing contact assembly. The firing contact assembly

including conductors and insulators shall be securely fastened to
the housing in accordance with the applicable drawing.

3.3.8 Guide bar. The guide bar shall be retained on the

housing assembly by spring pins.

3.3.9 Housing assembly. The bolts securing the two housing

halves shall be torqued as specified on the applicable drawings.
The roller guide shall be securely fastened to the housing as
specified on the applicable drawings and shall allow free
movement after the rotor and bolts are installed. There shall be
no interference with bolt assemblies cycling in clearing cam
tracks.

3.3.10 Housing cover assembly. The housing cover assembly

shall be retained on the housing assembly by the cover lock pins.
The hinged housing cover shall move through its full range of
travel when opened from either side. This requirement is not
applicable to M197 and M197E1 Guns

3.3.11 Indexing pin assembly. The indexing pin assembly

shall be assembled to the housing assembly and lock wired. The
indexing pin shall move through its full range of travel without
binding when manually depressed, and shall return and be held in
the extended position by spring action after positioning the
barrels.

3.3.12 Recoil adapters. The recoil adapters shall be

fastened securely to the retainer assembly except for M61A1 and
M61A2 guns which incorporate an Automatic gun recoil mechanism
with integral mountings for the recoil spindle assemblies. The
recoil adapters, or recoil mechanism shall provide controlled
fore-aft deflection of the gun so as to reduce firing loads
transmitted to the gun mounts. Spring rates and dampening of the
recoil adapters spindles shall be as specified on applicable
drawings. The spindle retainer shall be finger tightened to
remove end play of the spindle assembly in the housing and lock
wired. This requirement is not applicable to M197 and M197E1
Guns.

3.3.13 Bearing retainer assembly/automatic gun recoil

mechanism. The bearing retainer assembly or automatic gun recoil

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mechanism (M61A1 and M61A2 guns) shall be securely fastened to

the housing assembly as specified on the applicable drawing.

3.3.14 Rotor assembly. The rotor shall be proof tested and

magnetic particle inspection marked and serial marked in
accordance with the applicable drawings. The rotor gear, rotor
assembly, rear well springs and plate, and the front and center
bolt-tracks shall be fastened securely to the rotor body as
specified on the applicable drawing. There shall be no relative
movement of these parts. The rear bolt tracks shall assemble to
the rotor body in accordance with the applicable drawing, and
disassemble from the rotor body without the use of tools, except
for a probe to depress the lock pin. The track lock pins shall
move through their full range of travel without binding, and
shall be returned to, and held in, the extended position by
spring action to retain the rear bolt tracks in the locked
position on the rotor body.

3.4 Performance characteristics.

3.4.1 Firing pin protrusion and continuity. With the rotor

manually rotated until the firing pin cam is fully depressed and
the firing pin protrudes through the bolt face, firing pin
protrusion of each bolt assembly shall be .033 inches minimum.
With the locking block in the unlocked position and firing cam
pin fully depressed against block, the firing pin shall not
protrude beyond the face of the bolt. With the locking block in
the locked position (down 15° 30') and the cam pin depressed
until the firing pin extends .028 to .030 inches, there shall be
electrical continuity between the cam pin and the firing pin when
1.5 maximum voltage is applied. Testing shall be as specified in
4.5.3.2.

3.4.2 Head space. The head space in the assembled gun

shall be not less than 3.467 inches nor more than 3.488 inches
when measured to the 0.942 inch diameter datum on the first
shoulder of the chamber. Testing shall be as specified in
4.5.3.2.

3.4.3 High pressure resistance. Guns shall be capable of

withstanding the firing of one round of Government standard 20mm,
M54A1 high pressure test cartridge in each barrel. Parts shall
be free of cracks, seams and other injurious defects after proof
firing. Testing shall be as specified in 4.5.3.3

3.4.4 Functioning. Guns shall operate without

malfunctions, except that one misfire shall be allowed in each
75/100 rounds fired and no parts becoming unserviceable. Guns
shall meet the functioning requirements specified herein, and as
specified in the applicable specification sheet. Unless other-

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wise specified herein, the steady state rate of fire shall be

calculated using the last fifty percent of the burst excluding
stopping time. Ammunition used for the function firing shall be
Government Standard 20mm, M55A2 cartridges and 20mm, M51 series
or PGU-39/B dummy cartridges. Testing shall be as specified in
4.5.3.3

3.4.4.1 Clearing. The gun shall be capable of being

cleared when the clearing sector is manually pivoted into the
main cam and the rotor assembly is manually turned by hand to
load and clear a minimum of five rounds of Government Standard
20mm, M51 series or PGU-39/B dummy cartridges.

3.4.5 Targeting and accuracy. Using Government standard

20mm, M55A2 cartridges, the targeting and accuracy requirements
shall be as specified in the applicable specification sheet.
Testing shall be as specified in 4.5.3.3.

3.4.6 Endurance. Requirement for endurance testing shall

be as specified in the contract (see 6.2). Guns shall be capable
of withstanding the firing of 25,000 or 30,000 rounds, (as
specified in the applicable specification sheet), of Government
standard 20mm, M55A2 cartridges, with no misfires exceeding 0.5
percent of each series attributable to the gun, and not more than
a total of three malfunctions for the entire test. In addition,
the gun shall meet the performance requirements of Table I as
specified in the applicable specification sheet. The schedule
for maintenance and replacement parts during the endurance
firing shall be in accordance with the applicable specification
sheet. Testing shall be as specified in 4.5.3.4.

3.5 Deleted.

3.6 Interchangeability. Requirement for interchangeability

testing shall be as specified in the contract (see 6.2). Unless
otherwise specified on the drawings, all parts shall be
interchangeable. Testing shall be as specified in 4.5.3.5.

3.7 Bolts, screws and fasteners. Bolts and screws shall be

torqued, lock wired and secured to the requirements specified on
applicable drawings. Threaded fasteners shall be torqued
sufficiently to prevent relative movement between mating
components.

3.8 Lubrication. Parts and assemblies shall be lubricated

with material specified on the applicable drawings. The amount
of lubrication used shall be such that the electrical contacts
and circuits will not be affected.

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3.9 Marking. Guns and parts shall be clearly marked in

accordance with the applicable drawings and MIL-W-13855. Each
gun shall be identified by serial numbers assigned, or approved,
by the procuring activity (see 6.2).

3.10 Workmanship. Workmanship shall be in accordance with

MIL-W-13855.

4. VERIFICATION.

4.1 General provisions. Unless otherwise specified in the

contract or purchase order, the supplier is responsible for the
performance of all inspection requirements as specified herein.
Except as otherwise specified in the contract or order, the
supplier may use his own or any other facilities suitable for the
performance of the inspection requirements specified herein,
unless disapproved by the Government. The Government reserves
the right to perform any of the inspections set forth in the
specification where such inspections are deemed necessary to
assure supplies and services conform to prescribed requirements.

4.2 Terms and definitions. Quality assurance terms and

definitions used herein are in accordance with ANSI/ASQC A8402.

4.3 Classification of inspection. The inspection

requirements specified herein are classified as follows:

a. First article inspection (see 4.4).

b. Conformance inspection (see 4.5).

4.4 First article inspection. The first article (initial

production unit(s)) shall be submitted for inspection in accordance
with the contract (see 6.2). The first article shall be representative
of the production processes to be used during quantity production.
The first article shall be subjected to the conformance inspection
specified herein and in the applicable specification sheet, and such
other inspections as necessary to determine that all requirements
of the contract have been met.

4.5 Conformance inspection.

4.5.1 Inspection lot. Unless otherwise specified (see 6.1)

the formation, size, and presentation of inspection lots shall be
in accordance with ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 and MIL-W-13855. Guns shall be
assembled from component parts that have met all inspection
requirements specified herein. Endurance test lot size shall be
as specified in 4.5.3.4.1.

4.5.2 Examination.

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4.5.2.1 Component parts and concurrent repair parts.

Examination of component parts and concurrent repair parts shall
be as specified in the contract (see 6.2). The contractor's
examination of these parts shall be prior to assembly into the
end item or acceptance as repair parts.

4.5.2.2 Guns. Visually and manually examine each gun to

determine conformance with the following requirements. Each step
in the examination shall include a visual examination for proper
cleaning and presence of the specified protective coating and to
determine the general quality, completeness of manufacture,
assembly, clarity and legibility of markings and workmanship.
The examination provisions shall be applied at the earliest
practical point in manufacture at which it is feasible to inspect
for acceptance without risk of change in the characteristic by
subsequent operations. Reinspections of these characteristics on
the completed product is not required provided assurance exists
that the characteristic has not been changed, degraded or damaged
by subsequent manufacturing, assembly or handling and that
adequate inspection records are maintained. Guns failing to meet
the requirements shall be rejected.

Part or assembly Reference paragraph

Materials, construction and design 3.3
Barrels 3.3.1, 3.3.1.1
Barrel clamps 3.3.2
Breech bolt assemblies 3.3.3
Cams, locking and unlocking 3.3.4
Clearing sector assembly 3.3.5 (except M197 & M197E1)
End plate 3.3.6
Firing contact assembly 3.3.7
Guide bar 3.3.8
Housing assembly 3.3.9
Housing cover assembly 3.3.10 (except M197 & M197E1)
Indexing pin assembly 3.3.11
Recoil adapter 3.3.12
Bearing retainer assembly or 3.3.13
Automatic gun recoil mechanism
Rotor assembly 3.3.14

4.5.2.2.1 Markings. All markings (see 3.9) required by

final assembly drawings shall be visually examined for clarity
and legibility. The identification plate shall be examined for
compliance with the applicable drawings, secure assembly, and
serial number.

4.5.2.2.2 Lubrication. The housing cam walls, rotor

tracks rear surface of front locking wells, unlocking cams, gear

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teeth, and the bolt shaft assemblies shall be examined to assure

that lubricant (see 3.8) has been applied as required by final
assembly drawing.

4.5.2.2.3 Torque of housing bolts. The bolts holding the two

housing halves together shall be manually examined for torque
specified on the applicable drawing using a torque wrench (see 3.7).

4.5.2.3 Historical records. When specified (see 6.2),

upon completion of all examinations and tests, the required data
shall be recorded on DD Form 829, Historical Record for
Aeronautical Equipment and DD form 829-1, Historical Record -
Technical Instructions Compliance Record, and shall be examined
to assure that all pertinent data has been entered. One each of
the completed forms shall be provided with each gun assembly.

4.5.3 Testing.

4.5.3.1 Failure data. Unless otherwise specified herein,

all tests shall be conducted on a complete gun. If test
requirements cited herein are not met, acceptance of the gun
shall be deferred and the contractor shall accomplish as
applicable, the following actions:

a. Conduct a failure analysis study performing a dimensional

physical and visual examination of the components which are
suspected to be the cause of failure or malfunction.

b. Evaluate and correct the applicable production processes

and procedures to prevent recurrence of the same defect(s) in
future production.

c. Examine guns, partially assembled guns, and components

(including components and subassemblies at in-process or final
assembly) to insure that material containing the same defect is
purged from the inventory and is not presented to the Government
for acceptance.

d. Submit the results of the failure analysis and the

corrective actions taken to the Government for review and
approval prior to submitting a reconditioned lot or reconditioned
gun for retest.

4.5.3.2 Firing pin protrusion and continuity and head space

testing. Each gun shall be tested for firing pin protrusion and
continuity (see 3.4.1) and head space (see 3.4.2) using the test
methods specified in 4.6.1 and 4.6.2. Failure of any gun to pass
these requirements shall be cause for rejection.

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4.5.3.3 High-pressure resistance, functioning, targeting

and accuracy testing. Each gun shall be tested for high-pressure
resistance (see 3.4.3), functioning (see 3.4.4), targeting and
accuracy (see 3.4.5) using the test methods specified in 4.6.3,
4.6.4 and 4.6.5 respectively. Guns failing to meet these
requirements shall be cause for rejection.

4.5.3.4 Endurance testing (see 6.2).

4.5.3.4.1 Lot size. The initial endurance test lot size

shall consist of the initial month's production; subsequent
endurance test lots shall consist of 100 guns. The initial test
gun shall be taken from the first month's production. When five
successive lots meet the requirements, the endurance test lot
size shall be increased to 200 guns.

4.5.3.4.2 Procedure. One gun selected at random from each

endurance lot shall be tested for endurance (see 3.4.6 and
applicable specification sheet) using the test specified in
4.6.6. If the endurance test requirements are not met, the
represented lot shall be rejected.

4.5.3.5 Interchangeability testing (see 6.2).

4.5.3.5.1 Intra-plant.

4.5.3.5.1.1 Guns. A sample of three guns, selected at

random from the first ten guns of each month's production shall
be tested for interchangeability (see 3.6 and applicable
specification sheet) using the test method specified in
4.6.7.1.1. Guns taken for interchangeability testing shall have
met all other inspection requirements specified herein and in the
applicable specification sheet. The three guns shall be
inspected for compliance with firing pin protrusion, head space,
functioning, and targeting and accuracy requirements after
interchange of parts using the test methods specified in 4.6.1,
4.6.2, 4.6.4 and 4.6.5 respectively. Failure of inter-
changeability shall be cause for rejection of the represented
lot. Sample size and test methods shall be the same for retest.

4.5.3.5.1.2 Concurrent repair parts. At least two parts

from each inspection lot shall be subjected to the test method
specified in 4.6.7.1.2. Failure of any part to meet the
requirements shall be cause for rejection of the represented lot.
Parts subject to reconditioning and further test shall become a
reconditioned lot and a sample of double the number of parts used
in the original test shall be tested from each reconditioned lot
using the test method specified in 4.6.7.1.2.

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4.5.3.5.2 Inter-plant. When guns with concurrent repair

parts are manufactured by more than one contractor, each
contractor shall forward monthly one gun and a sufficient
quantity of repair parts for the inter-plant interchangeability
test specified in 4.6.7.2 (see 6.2). The contractor shall be
informed of test results, which indicate failure of the gun or
parts to meet prescribed requirements.

4.5.3.6 Certification. Unless otherwise specified, the

contractor shall furnish the Government representative with
certified statements that each inspection lot of guns, parts and
assemblies shall conform to applicable drawings, specifications
of the materials and processes specified on the final assembly
drawing and applicable specification sheet.

4.5.3.7 Component parts and concurrent repair parts

testing. Raw material testing, part testing, and certification
shall be as specified in the contract (see 6.2). This will
include chemical analysis, physical tests of materials, tests of
protective finishes, heat treatment, bonding, and function of
parts as applicable. These tests shall be accomplished prior to
assembly of parts into the end item.

4.5.4 Packaging examination and testing. Unless otherwise

specified (see 6.2) the packaging examination and testing shall
be in accordance with MIL-P-14232.

4.5.5 Inspection conditions.

4.5.5.1 Inspection equipment. Unless otherwise specified in

the procurement documents (see 6.2), responsibilities for
acquisition, maintenance and disposition of measuring and testing
equipment prescribed on lists contained on the Index of
Inspection Equipment Lists specified on the applicable
specification sheet and for all other inspection equipment
required by applicable specifications, shall be in accordance
with commercial practices.

4.5.5.2 Ammunition feeding. The contractor shall be

responsible for feeding and driving the gun using Government
standard auxiliary equipment furnished on the contract (see 6.2)
or government approved, contractor furnished equipment.

4.5.5.3 Mounts. Unless otherwise specified, all firing

tests shall be accomplished with the gun affixed to a Government
approved mount (see 6.2). The mount shall have a rigidity of
approximately 50,000 pounds per inch deflection. The design of
the mount shall be such that the two recoil adapters carry all
the longitudinal load. The rear socket mounting of the end plate
or drive unit shall provide the rear mounting surface for the gun

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on a plane perpendicular to the centerline of the gun, and allow

freedom of movement in a longitudinal direction. Torsional
deflection of the mount shall not affect targeting and accuracy.

4.5.5.4 Power supply and control equipment. The power

supply and control equipment (see 6.2) shall be capable of
allowed maximum torque and capable of controlling the steady
state rate of fire within plus or minus one percent. In
addition, a braking device shall be provided to stop the gun
drive when power is removed. The drive used in the gun test
shall be calibrated with adjustable power input versus torque out
put to assure that cyclic rate requirements are met or a
calibrated torque transducer may be used to measure torque.
Drives or torque transducer shall be recalibrated prior to each
day's testing or as required. Instrumentation shall record the
readings necessary to establish that performance requirements are
met for each gun tested. Additional equipment shall be as
specified on the applicable specification sheet.

4.6 Methods of inspection.

4.6.1 Firing pin protrusion and continuity test. Guns

shall be tested using the inspection equipment in accordance with
Drawing F7273689 or Government approved test equipment. The
spring loaded plug shall be placed in the gun and fed into each
barrel by manually rotating the gun until the barrel containing
the plug is in the firing position with the breech bolt assembly
locked. The low test voltage shall then be applied across the
contact pin of the firing contact assembly and the gun housing.
The minimum firing pin protrusion requirements and electrical
continuity requirement has been met if electrical continuity is
indicated on the test equipment.

4.6.2 Headspace test. Guns shall be tested using the

inspection equipment specified on Drawing F7273689 or Government
approved test equipment. The spring loaded plug shall be placed
in the gun into each barrel by manually rotating the gun until
the barrel containing the plug is in the firing position with the
breech bolt assembly locked. The thickness gage shall then be
inserted through the housing assembly to check the distance
between the plug head and sleeve. The headspace is within the
requirements if the minimum thickness end of the gage enters and
the maximum thickness end of the gage does not enter between the
plug head and sleeve.

4.6.3 High-pressure resistance test. Guns shall be tested

by firing one high-pressure test cartridge in each barrel after
the guns have been given the clearing test as specified in
4.6.4.1. This proof firing shall be accomplished with the gun
held in a mount in accordance with 4.5.5.3. Barrels and bolts to

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be assembled into production guns shall be proof fired as part of

the completed guns, inspected and proof marked in accordance with
applicable drawings. Barrels and breech bolt assemblies to be
used as repair parts shall be proof firing independently of
production guns and inspected and proof marked in accordance with
applicable drawings. After proof firing, the guns shall be
examined for cracks, deformation or other evidence of damage.
Cartridge cases shall be visually examined for bulges, splits,
rings, and other defects caused by defective barrels. All parts,
shall be reassembled to the guns from which they were removed and
proof marked in accordance with the applicable drawings.

4.6.4 Functioning test. Unless otherwise specified, guns

shall be tested held in mounts in accordance with 4.5.5.3 and
using the power supply and control equipment specified in 4.5.5.4
and applicable specification sheet.

4.6.4.1 Clearing test. Guns shall be function checked for

clearing action (see 3.4.4.1) using a 12 round belt of dummy
cartridges prior to the high-pressure resistance test (4.6.3).
The clearing action shall be checked by manually rotating the gun
to load five rounds in the gun, manually moving the clearing cam
sector assembly into clearing position, and clear the remainder
of the belt by manually rotating the gun. During clearing, the
clearing cam sector assembly shall be fully depressed to prevent
damage to the bolt shaft assemblies.

4.6.4.2 Function firing test. Guns shall be tested for

function firing using one six round belt for warm-up and to test
for proper functioning. A 75 or 100 round belt shall be fired to
test for acceleration, stopping time, cyclic rate of fire,
torque, targeting and accuracy, and functioning to determine
compliance with requirements of 3.4.5, 3.4.4, and Table I of the
applicable specification sheet. At the completion of firing, the
gun shall be checked to assure that all breech bolt assemblies
are in the cleared position.

4.6.4.3 Function firing test procedure. The function

firing test procedure shall be as specified on the applicable
specification sheet.

4.6.5 Targeting and accuracy test.

4.6.5.1 Procedure. Guns shall be tested with the gun held

in a mount in accordance with 4.5.5.3 and using a boresight in
accordance with Drawing C7797956, or Government approved test
equipment. The barrels shall be boresighted by inserting the
boresight in the muzzle end of the barrel when the gun is in each
of the three or six indexed positions. The boresight point of
the gun is then determined by the geometrical center of three

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MIL-DTL-45500E

boresight points. The boresight shall then be removed and a 75

or 100 round belt of target practice cartridges fired from the
gun. The target shall be checked to determine whether the
targeting and accuracy requirements have been met.

4.6.5.2 Range. Guns may be fired at a range of 1,000 to

3,000 inches provided that suitable correlations, approved by the
contracting officer, are made. In addition, if the contractor's
range facilities permit, this test shall be fired as part of the
functioning test (see 4.6.4).

4.6.6 Endurance test.

4.6.6.1 Mount. Unless otherwise specified, guns shall be

tested with the gun held in a Government approved mount in
accordance with 4.5.5.3.

4.6.6.2 Firing. All guns shall be fired in a series of

approximately 1000 rounds using five (5) burst of 200 + 10 rounds
each; except the M197 and M197E1 guns shall be fired in a series
of approximately 500 rounds using five (5) bursts of 100 + 5
rounds each. The performance requirements of Table I, (as
specified on the applicable specification sheet), shall be
measured and recorded for the last burst using instrumentation in
accordance with 4.5.5.4 and the applicable specification sheet.

4.6.6.3 Procedures.

4.6.6.3.1 Cooling. After each burst the gun shall be

allowed to cool for approximately 35 seconds. After each five
burst series the gun shall be cooled to within 25oF of room
temperature (using cooling aids other than water).

4.6.6.3.2 Cleaning and lubrication. Cleaning and

lubrication procedures will be implemented in accordance with the
appropriate operational level Technical Manual (see 6.3) during
the endurance test. At the end of each day's firing, the gun
shall be cleaned and protected against corrosion.

4.6.6.3.3 Barrels. Barrels may be alternated with a spare

set of barrels to expedite cooling. To preclude barrel rupture,
additional barrel sets may be utilized, as needed, to limit
erosion of any barrel in a set to 0.035 inch maximum.

4.6.6.3.4 Measurements and maintenance. After each 15,000

rounds fired the gun shall be disassembled as necessary for
maintenance and to replace parts in accordance with the appropriate
gun technical manual. Parts removed from the gun during inspection
shall be replaced in original positions from which they are removed.
Headspace, and firing pin protrusion, and (M197 and M197E1 guns

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MIL-DTL-45500E

only) recoil spring assembly preload, shall be measured and recorded

at the start of the test, after each 15,000 rounds fired, and at the
end of the test.

4.6.6.4 Parts replacement. No alteration or replacement of

parts except as scheduled shall be made unless the parts are
broken or worn to the extent that they cause malfunctions or
impair or jeopardize the safe operation of the gun. A complete
record shall be kept for each endurance test, showing all gun
maintenance procedures, each malfunction, and all parts replaced,
including the number of the gun rounds at which they occurred.

4.6.6.5 Disposition. Endurance tested guns and parts shall

be disposed of as specified in the contract (see 6.2).

4.6.7 Interchangeability test.

4.6.7.1 Intra-plant.

4.6.7.1.1 Guns. Guns shall be tested by disassembly and

reassembly of parts, using parts from a prearranged system.
Interchangeability of parts shall be accomplished by dividing the
parts of each gun into three groups of non-mating parts, and
distributing the groups into three different trays until each
tray contains parts for a complete gun. Groups of parts with the
same part number are to be exchanged between guns as a set.
Groups I, II and III of non-mating parts shall be as specified on
the applicable specification sheet. Groups of parts from the
first gun shall be taken in order and placed in trays 1 through
3; groups of parts from the second gun shall be taken in order
and placed in trays 2, 3, and 1; groups of parts from the third
gun shall be taken in order and placed in trays 3, 1, and 2.
Common hardware such as screws, spring pins, etc., shall be
placed in the same tray as their mating or associate part. New
laminated shims may be used for reassembly of guns during the
interchangeability test. Any common hardware or other expendable
items, rendered unserviceable by disassembly shall be replaced
without penalty to the interchangeability test. The guns shall
be reassembled using only those parts which are in the same tray.

4.6.7.1.2 Concurrent repair parts. When required by contract

(see 6.2), concurrent repair parts shall be tested for interchange-
ability by disassembling two guns previously tested in 4.6.7.1.1 and
reassembling, using the concurrent repair parts. This test shall be
performed independently of the interchangeability test required in
4.6.7.1.1 using accepted guns taken from current production.

4.6.7.2 Inter-plant.

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MIL-DTL-45500E

4.6.7.2.1 Guns. Guns subjected to the inter-plant

interchangeability test shall be given a preliminary firing test of
12 cartridges, 20mm, Target Practice, M55A2 to assure proper
operation before parts are interchanged. Parts shall be
disassembled from the guns and identified as to manufacture.
Disassembled parts shall be mixed and guns reassembled by random
selection of parts. After assembly, the guns shall be tested for
functioning, targeting and accuracy requirements using the tests
specified in 4.6.4 and 4.6.5. Before guns are returned to the
contractors, the original parts shall be reassembled to their
respective weapons and given a functioning test using a belt of 50
cartridges, 20mm, Dummy, M51 series.

4.6.7.2.2 Repair parts. When required by contract (see

6.2), concurrently manufactured repair parts submitted for tests
shall be assembled in the guns previously tested in 4.6.7.1.1
Guns shall be assembled using different combinations of parts to
insure parts are interchangeable. After assembly, the guns shall
be tested for functioning, targeting and accuracy requirements
specified in 4.6.4 and 4.6.5.

5. PACKAGING

5.1 Packaging. For acquisition purposes, the packaging

requirements shall be as specified in the contract or purchase
order (see 6.2). When actual packaging of materiel is to be
performed by DoD personnel, these personnel need to contact the
responsible packaging activity to ascertain requisite packaging
requirements. Packaging requirements are maintained by the
Inventory Control Point's packaging activity within the Military
Department or Defense Agency, or within the Military Department's
System Command. Packaging data retrieval is available from the
managing Military Department's or Defense Agency's automated
packaging files, CD-ROM products, or by contacting the
responsible packaging activity.

6. NOTES

(This section contains information of a general or

explanatory nature which may be helpful, but is not mandatory.)

6.1 Intended use. The 20mm automatic gun is intended for

use on fixed and rotary wing aircraft and for use on ground to
air anti-aircraft weapon systems.

6.2 Acquisition requirements. Acquisition documents should

specify the following:

a. Title, number and date of this specification.

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MIL-DTL-45500E

b. Lists of drawings and specifications pertinent to the

gun, showing applicable revision dates (see 2.1 and 3.1).

c. Examination criteria for components (see 4.5.2.1 and

4.5.3.7).

d. Index to lists of inspection gages and parts which are

pertinent to the gun, showing applicable revision dates.

e. Historical records, when required (see 4.5.2.3).

f. Disposition of endurance tested guns and parts (see

4.6.6.5).

g. Shipping instructions for first article, and pilot pack

if different (see 3.2).

h. Packaging examination and testing, if different (see

4.5.4).

i. Requirements for pilot pack; preservation, packaging,

packing, and marking; and repair parts will be as specified in
the contract and in applicable specification sheets.

j. List of acceptance inspection equipment to be furnished

to the contractor (see 4.5.5.1) and responsibilities for other
Government property to be furnished the contractor.

k. Responsibilities for furnishing ammunition, links,

feeders and drives or other equipment (see 4.5.5.2, 4.5.5.3 and
4.5.5.4).

l. Shipping instructions for guns and parts when an

interplant interchangeability test is required (see 4.5.3.5.2).

m. Blocks of serial numbers (see 3.9).

n. Disposition of Government furnished property.

o. Inspection lots, if different (see 4.5.1).

p. Requirement for, or waiver of, first article

inspection (see 3.2 and 4.4).

q. Requirement for, or waiver of, endurance testing

(see 3.4.6 and 4.5.3.4).

r. Requirement for, or waiver of, interchangeability

testing (see 3.6 and 4.5.3.5).

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MIL-DTL-45500E

s. DD Form 1423 to include data item for submission of

reports of examination and testing (e.g. function firing,
targeting and accuracy, endurance and interchangeability, etc.)

t. Unless otherwise specified (see 6.2 k), the contract

should specify the application of ANSI/NCSL Z540.1, and MIL-I-
45607.

u. When warranted, the contract should specify the

application of ANSI/ASQC 9001 or ANSI/ASQC 9002, as appropriate.

6.3 Technical Manuals. Military technical manuals are

listed for the purpose of providing appropriate maintenance and
parts replacement schedules for the weapons. Information
contained in the latest versions of these manuals should be used
for servicing the weapons during and after endurance testing.

T.O 11W1-12-4-32 Intermediate Maintenance Instructions,

M61A1 and M61 20mm Automatic Guns

NAVAIR 11-95M197-1 Maintenance Instructions with

Illustrated Parts Breakdown
Organizational and Depot Levels
M197 20mm Automatic Gun

6.4 Subject term (key word) listing.

multi-barrel
Gatling
air defense
aircraft armament

6.5 Changes from previous issue. Marginal notations are

not used in this revision to identify changes with respect to the
previous issue due to the extensiveness of the changes.

Custodians: Preparing activity:

Army - AR Army - AR
Navy - NW
Air Force - 84 (Project: 1005-0844)

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MIL-DTL-45500E

STANDARDIZATION DOCUMENT IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS
1. The preparing activity must complete blocks 1, 2, 3, and 8. In block 1, both the document number and revision letter should be given.
2. The submitter of this form must complete blocks 4, 5, 6, and 7.
3. The preparing activity must provide a reply within 30 days from receipt of the form.
NOTE: This form may not be used to request copies of documents, nor to request waivers, or clarification of requirements on
current contracts. Comments submitted on this form do not constitute or imply authorization to waive any portion of the referenced
documents(s) or to amend contractual requirements.

1. DOCUMENT NUMBER 2. DOCUMENT DATE (YYMMDD)

I RECOMMEND A
CHANGE: MIL-DTL-45500E 18 December 1996
3. DOCUMENT TITLE
Gun, Automatic, 20MM, General Specification for
4. NATURE OF CHANGE (Identify paragraph number and include proposed rewrite, if possible. Attach extra
sheets as needed.)

5. REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION

6. SUBMITTER
a. NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial) b. ORGANIZATION

c. ADDRESS (Include Zip Code) d. TELEPHONE 7.

(Include Area Code) DATE
(1) Commercial SUBMITTED
(2) AUTOVON
(if applicable) (YYMMDD)
8. PREPARING ACTIVITY
a. NAME b. TELEPHONE (Include Area Code)
(1) Commercial: (201) 724-6671 DSN 880-6671
U. S. Army ARDEC
c. ADDRESS (Include Zip Code) IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A REPLY
WITHIN 45 DAYS, CONTACT:
Defense Quality and Standardization Office
ATTN: AMSTA-AR-EDE-S, B-12 5203 Leesburg Pike, Suite 1403, Falls Church, VA 22041-
Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000 3466
Telephone (703) 756-2340 DSN 289-2340
DD Form 1426, OCT 89 Previous editions are obsolete 198-290

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