Design Secrets of the General Electric Armament Systems Department (2008)
The General Electric Armament Systems Department in Burlington, Vermont, developed highly reliable Gatling-style weapons during the Vietnam War by adhering to a strict engineering principle known as 'Round Control.' This design philosophy ensured complete mechanical control of every round, casing, and link throughout the firing cycle to prevent jams and malfunctions. The approach involved meticulous design reviews, physical testing with dummy rounds, and slow-motion analysis at firing ranges to perfect systems like the M61 Vulcan and M134 Minigun.
- ▪The General Electric Armament Systems Division produced the 20mm M61 Vulcan and 7.62mm M134 Minigun, both widely used during the Vietnam War.
- ▪Round Control was the core design principle ensuring 100% mechanical control of ammunition components to prevent malfunctions.
- ▪Designers used manual layout techniques and 'paper dolls' to simulate round movement and verify control during development.
- ▪No live firing was permitted until dummy round testing confirmed continuous control and absence of jam risks.
- ▪GE's adherence to Round Control reflected a belief that any possible failure mode would eventually occur in combat conditions.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By George E. Kontis, PE GE/USAF Firing Range, Underhill, Vermont. At the beginning of 1967, the Vietnam War was escalating and defense industries were responding to the military’s need to counter an increased enemy threat. Numbered among the most effective and reliable systems were the various Gatling guns produced by the General Electric Armament Systems Division in Burlington, Vermont. The war brought on an ever increasing demand. GE weapon systems at that time were designed around two Gatling guns: the 20mm M61 and the 7.62mm Army M134 also designated by the Air Force as GAU 2B/A Minigun. Both guns and ammunition handling systems were being produced in record numbers. Internal installations of the M61 were found on most fighter and attack aircraft and a few bombers.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Small Arms Review.
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