Figure 6-10.Ejection of empty case.
clearing sector arm to the gun housing. This places the
the bolt assembly cannot follow the main cam path, so
clearing sector arm in a ready position. The first bolt
assembly that passes the sector arm triggers the
actuating pin that lets the sector arm continue to the
clearing mode position. This diverts the succeeding bolt
assemblies into the clearing cam path (fig. 6-11).
As the breech-bolt assembly picks up a round at the
guide bar, the clearing sector arm depresses the bolt
roller shaft. This locks the bolt assembly in the rear
locking well of the rotor. While locked in this position,
it follows the clearing cam path. The clearing cam path
isnt as deep as the main cam path, and it keeps the bolt
roller shaft depressed.
This firmly locks the bolt
assembly in the rear of the rotor body.
The M61A1 gun continues to receive rounds during
the clearing cycle.
However, because each bolt
assembly remains positioned at the back of the rotor
during rotation, the guide bar cam fingers eject all
unfired rounds. When the clearing solenoid is
Figure 6-11.Breech-bolt assembly in clearing cycle.
6-9