The M163 Vulcan 20mm Air Defense System is composed of a 20mm electrically-operated gatling gun on an M157A1 turret gun mount. The weapon system is fused to the chassis of the M113A Armored Personnel Carrier. It is a short-range, low-level anti-aircraft defense system.
The rotary cannon is a modified version of the US Air Force M61 Vulcan cannon. The M163 Vulcan model could maintain a high rate of fire at 3,000 rounds per minute in 10, 30, 60 or 100 round bursts. It can also maintain a low rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute.
In 1984, Lockheed Electronics Company introduced a modernization kit known as the PIVADS (Product Improved Vulcan Air Defense System). This kit improved the radar, accuracy of the weapons system and automatic notification systems among other modifications. The ability to fire armor-piercing discarding sabot ammunition was also introduced. The kit was aimed at reducing the gunner's workload overall.
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Armored Vehicle Quick Profile
Image Courtesy of the US Department of Defense..
1969
Designation:M163 Vulcan Classification Type:Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun Contractor:General Electric Company, USA Country of Origin: United States Number Built: Not Available
Operators: the United States of America
Variants
M157A1 - Modified Gun Mounts
M163A1 - Production Model
M163A2 - Upgraded Powertrain Modifications and Suspension System.
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