The conductor portion of the contact cam makes contact
with the firing pin cam, which allows a firing voltage to
pass through the firing pin to fire the round.
The breech-bolt assembly remains locked
throughout the locking cam period until the projectile
leaves the barrel. After the projectile leaves the barrel,
the barrel pressure is reduced. The unlocking cam lifts
the bolt shaft, retracts the bolt locking block, and
unlocks the bolt.
The main cam path guides the breech-bolt assembly
rearward The empty case is removed from the chamber
by the extractor lip of the bolt assembly. Then, the bolt
assembly travels back along the rotor tracks until the
guide bar removes the empty case from the bolt extractor
lip and ejects it from the gun (fig. 6-10). To complete
the cycle, the bolt assembly travels along the rear cam
dwell area and into position to receive the next round.
The breech-bolt assembly has now completed a full
firing cycle through the elliptical-shaped main cam path.
A1.
A2.
A3.
A4.
A5.
A6.
A7.
A8.
A9.
A10.
It has performed seven actions or operations in the
following sequence:
1. Feed
2. Chamber
3. Lock
4. Fire
5. Unlock
6. Extract
7. Eject
All six breech-bolt assemblies repeat this firing
cycle until the clearing solenoid is actuated, and the gun
starts the clearing cycle.
Clearing Cycle
The clearing cycle starts when the clearing solenoid
is energized. The clearing solenoid depresses the
REVIEW NUMBER 1 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS Q1. THROUGH Q10.
The naval aircraft that carry the M61A1 20-mm automatic gun are the F-14 and
F/A-18.
When installed in naval aircraft, the M61A1 gun has a pilot selectable firing rate
of 4,000 rounds per minute (GUN LOW) and 6,000 rounds per minute (GUN
HIGH).
The primary parts of the M61A1 gun are the barrels, housing assembly, and rotor
assembly.
The muzzle clamp assembly restrains individual barrel movement during firing.
The M61A1 gun has six rifled barrels that are secured to the rotor by three rows
of interrupted locking lugs.
The recoil adapters have front mounting points so the gun can be mounted in the
aircraft.
The rounds are guided into and out of the extractor lip of the breech-bolt
assemblies by the guide bar.
The rotor tracks, rotor drive gear, and the locking lugs to lock the barrels in place
are contained in the main body of the rotor assembly.
The rear housing assembly and associated parts provide the main cam path that
controls the movement of the breech-bolt assemblies.
You should use DOD-L85336 lubricant for the M61A1 gun.
6-8
