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AAI In-Line

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AAI In-Line
TypeMultibarrel medium machine gun
Place of originUnited States
Production history
DesignerAAI Corporation
Specifications
Cartridge7.62×51mm NATO
Caliber7.62 mm (0.308 in)
Barrels6
ActionElectrically driven rotary breech
Rate of fireVariable, 2,000–6,000 rpm
Feed systemDisintegrating M13 linked belt or linkless feed; dependent on installation [500-5,000-round belt]

The AAI In-Line was a prototype aircraft machine gun developed by AAI Corporation. The weapon was intended for potential aircraft use and capable of high rate of fire similar to the M134 Minigun but with the accuracy of a fixed barrel machine gun. The In-Line machine gun concept worked and passed air force tests but was not further developed. Around three of them were manufactured. The only known example is on display at the Air Force Armament Museum.

Design

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The AAI In-Line is an externally driven chain/crankshaft operated machine gun with six fixed barrels. The belt feed is unusual as it uses a synchronizer for every sixth round is to be chambered in each barrel. It is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO.

References

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