New applications for gun pod

Wednesday, 18 June, 2008

The twin-barrel Plamen ZPL-20 gun displayed by ZVI on Stand N175b is not new but planned developments could find more applications for this tried and tested Czech-built weapon.
Already in service as the PL-20 gun pod on the L-159 fighter, it is now being developed for installation on the Mil-35 attack helicopter on which ground trials have begun. The importance of supplementing missile and rockets with cannon as part of an attack helicopter’s weapons capability can be met by making use of ZVI’s PL-20, which can be attached to a standard NATO pylon. With its 2,600 rounds per minute rate of fire, the PL-20 can provide devastating bursts of 20mm ammo.
However, the ZPL-20 gun and MPL-20 ammunition can also be utilised for ground or naval applications, mounted on fixed or mobile platforms. It is recognised that a naval mount would need to be stabilised but ZVI is ready to respond to customer demands.