chain gun
External-powered automatic weapon
A chain gun is an automatic weapon that uses an external motor-driven chain to cycle the action—loading, firing, and ejecting rounds in rapid succession.
Unlike gas-operated guns that use recoil energy, chain guns rely on mechanical power, making them more reliable and controllable.
They're typically mounted on military vehicles, helicopters, and aircraft: The Apache's 30mm chain gun can fire 625 rounds per minute.
Multi-barrel rapid-fire weapon
- turretProtruding fortified structure
- infantryGround combat troops
- armamentCollective military weapons
- suppressing fireGunfire restricting enemy movement
mounted · helicopter · Apache · Bradley · armor-piercing · anti-aircraft · defensive · offensive
Weapon projectiles and charges
- roundsAmmunition or bout divisions
- caliberBore diameter or quality
- cartridgeSealed container for supplies
- magazineBound periodical with articles
burst · volley · barrage · salvo · fusillade · tracer · incendiary · penetration
minigun
Multi-barrel rapid-fire weapon
suppressing fire · mounted · helicopter · Apache · Bradley · armor-piercing · anti-aircraft · defensive · offensive · combat
ammunition
Weapon projectiles and charges
- roundsAmmunition or bout divisions
- caliberBore diameter or quality
- cartridgeSealed container for supplies
magazine · burst · volley · barrage · salvo · fusillade · tracer · incendiary · penetration · muzzle velocity
rotary
Involving circular motion
rotation · motorized · belt-fed · drum · crank · spin · electric motor · hydraulic · sprocket · synchronized
trigger
What initiates action
- dischargeRelease of substance outward
- reloadFill with ammunition again
- recoilBackward force from discharge
shooting · firing · aiming · traversing · elevation · target acquisition · sighting · ranging · safety · jam
- machine gunsLMG, Vickers, M2, Hotchkiss, PK
- crew-served weaponsmortar, grenade launcher, howitzer, artillery piece
- mounted weaponsturret, ball turret, barbette, tripod mount, hardpoint