SPPU-22
Overview
SPPU-22
SPPU-22 facing rearwards on a Su-22 Fitter.
Source: www.forum.valka.cz -
© copyright lies with original owner
Russia
Russian for "aircraft movable gun pod"
Description
Introduction
The SPPU-22 is a late Cold War era gun pod of Soviet origin. It was developed in the 1970's for use on fixed wing aircraft. The SPPU-22 has the unique feature of its armament that can be elevated downwards. The name SPPU stands for Samolyatnaya Podvizhnaya Pushechnuaya Ustanovka which is Russian for "aircraft movable gun pod".
Design
The SPPU-22 is a long and round pod with aerodynamic shape. The single twin barrel GSh-23L autocannon is mounted in a fairing at the bottom of the pod. Normally the armament is flush with the pod can be fired directly forwards. The SPPU-22 also has the ability to lower its armament up to 30 degrees. This allows the aircraft to remain level at low altitude and still be able to strafe ground targets. Alternatively when the pods are mounted backwards they may be used to suppress ground targets as the aircraft flies away. A combination of both forward and rearward facing pods is also possible.
Firepower
The SPPU-22 is armed with a single twin barrel GSh-23L autocannon for which 260 rounds of 23x115mm ammunition are carried. The cyclic rate of fire is 3.000 rpm and the maximum effective range is 2 km. The 23mm rounds are effective against infantry, soft skin vehicles and light armored vehicles. Since the level of depression is set before flight the pilot is limited to several flight paths or must use it firing directly forwards.
Platforms
The SPPU-22 is most commonly used on the Su-17 Fitter, Su-25 Frogfoot and MiG-23 and MiG-27 Flogger. In theory the SPPU-22 can be used on helicopters but that case it can only be fired directly forwards, making the lighter UPK-23 pod a much better alternative. The SPPU-22 remains available although it is unknown if these are newly produced or refurbished pods.
Details
Media
SPPU-22
A SPPU-22 gun pod carried on a Su-22 Fitted with the pod facing rearwards.
Source: www.forum.valka.cz
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
SPPU-22
SPPU-22 gun pod with GSh-23L autocannon at a downward angle and ammunition belt shown to the public.
Source: bomberpilot
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
SPPU-22
SPPU-22 gun pod with GSh-23L autocannon at a downward angle.
Source: www.konflikty.pl
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Related articles
UPK-23
The UPK-23 is a simpler gun pod with similar firepower as the SPPU-22 that is better suited for helicopter use.
23mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23
The GSh-23L twin barrel 23mm autocannon is used in the SPPU-22 gun pod.