The South Korean KF-21 “Borame” fighter is armed with the M61A2 20mm Gatling gun system produced by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. The fixed-forward internal gun system provides maximum firing rate performance. The KF-21 armament system features the lightweight M61A2 20mm Gatling gun and linear linkless ammunition feed system. The M61A2 provides up to 10 times the reliability of single-barrel guns, firing at 6,000 shots per minute and placing a controlled dispersion of projectiles in the path of the target. The M61A2 is available for applications where weapon system weight reduction is critical.
The linear linkless ammunition feed system features state of-the-art composite and unique gun-feed technologies to provide high reliability at minimum weight. General Dynamics ammunition storage and handling systems have been used in all modern U.S. front-line fighter aircraft. The KF-21 linear linkless ammunition feed system is compatible with three General Dynamics loading systems, including the Universal Ammunition Loading System, the Ammunition Loading System and the Universal Delinking Loader. The ALS and UALS systems significantly reduce manpower requirements and aircraft turnaround time by eliminating the need for linked ammunition.
The M61 Vulcan is a hydraulically, electrically or pneumatically driven, six-barrel, air-cooled, electrically fired Gatling-style rotary cannon. The M61 was originally produced by General Electric. After several mergers and acquisitions, it is currently produced by General Dynamics. The initial M61 used linked ammunition, but the ejection of spent links created considerable problems. The original weapon was soon replaced by the M61A1, with a linkless feed system. A lighter version of the Vulcan developed for use on the F-22 Raptor, designated M61A2, is mechanically the same as the M61A1, but with thinner barrels to reduce overall weight to 92 kilograms (202 lb).
The KAI KF-21 Boramae (formerly known as KF-X) is a South Korean 4.5 generation fighter aircraft development program, with limited Indonesian inolvement, with the goal of producing an advanced multirole fighter for the South Korean and Indonesian air forces. The airframe is stealthier than other fourth-generation fighters, but does not carry weapons in internal bays like fifth-generation fighters, though internal bays may be introduced later in development. It was officially given the name Boramae (literally ‘young hawk’ or ‘eyas’). At least 40 aircraft are planned to be delivered by 2028 and a total of 120 of the aircraft by 2032.
