Description
20mm M61/M61A1 Vulcan Recoil-Adapter Assembly, P/N 7268312
Item Overview
This military-surplus recoil-adapter assembly was designed for the 20mm M61 and M61A1 Vulcan cannon. Two adapters were fitted to the front of the gun housing, where they served as forward mounting points and helped control the cannon’s movement during firing. Internal ring springs absorbed recoil and counter-recoil forces, making this an important part of the Vulcan’s mounting/recoil system.
Identification and Features
The complete unit is identified as recoil-adapter assembly P/N 7268312 and NSN 1005-00-038-6680. Its housing carries P/N 7269429. The assembly is illustrated and described on printed page 22, PDF page 35, of The Machine Gun, Volume V.
- Nomenclature: Adapter Assembly, Recoil
- Complete assembly: P/N 7268312
- National Stock Number: 1005-00-038-6680
- Housing: P/N 7269429
- Weapon family: 20mm M61 and M61A1 Vulcan cannon
- Quantity used: Two recoil adapters per gun
- Location: Forward mounting points on the gun housing
- Spring type: High-gradient ring-style buffer spring
- Mounting method: Transverse quick-disconnect mounting pin
- Primary function: Control recoil and counter-recoil movement
- Reference: The Machine Gun, Volume V, printed page 22
- Status: Military-surplus cannon component
How the Recoil Adapter Worked
Each adapter contained a high-gradient buffer spring made from interacting male and female ring elements. When the cannon fired, the gun housing moved slightly to the rear and compressed the springs. The springs slowed this movement, absorbed part of the firing force, and helped return the gun to its normal position. The mounting pins carried the main recoil and counter-recoil loads, while the adapter shoulders helped control side-to-side forces. A rear ball mount supported the back of the cannon while allowing the needed forward and rearward travel.
Weapon Applications
The M61 and M61A1 Vulcan are externally powered, six-barrel 20mm Gatling-type cannons built for a very high rate of fire. The weapon family armed aircraft including the F-104 Starfighter, F-105 Thunderchief, F-4E Phantom II, F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and several F/A-18 variants. Mounting pallets and nearby hardware differed between aircraft, so compatibility with a specific installation should be checked against the correct technical manual.
Historical Background
Development of the Vulcan began after World War II as faster jet aircraft created a need for guns that could place many rounds on target in a short time. General Electric developed the rotary cannon concept under Project Vulcan, and M61 testing on the F-104 began during the 1950s. The cannon entered service near the end of that decade and became a standard American aircraft gun. The original M61 used linked ammunition, while the improved M61A1 used a linkless feed system. Recoil adapters allowed the high-rate cannon to move in a controlled way without passing the full firing shock directly into its aircraft mount. Supply records for P/N 7268312 date to the early 1970s, and the assembly continued to appear in later military specifications for the M61 system.
Condition
This listing is for one military-surplus recoil-adapter assembly. Age, finish wear, scratches, oxidation, storage marks, and minor surface differences may be present. Part numbers, inspection marks, hardware, and finish may vary between available examples. The cannon, second recoil adapter, mounting pallet, quick-disconnect pin, rear ball mount, feed system, ammunition, and other accessories are not included unless specifically pictured or stated.
Ideal For
This original Vulcan cannon component is well suited for collections and exhibits covering aircraft armament, rotary cannons, military engineering, and Cold War aviation history.
- M61 and M61A1 Vulcan collections
- Military aircraft armament displays
- Gatling-gun engineering exhibits
- Cold War aviation collections
- Aircraft restoration references
- Museums and educational displays
Approx length 9", Approx width 5", Approx height 3", Approx weight 5.9lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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