Aircraft & UAVs

GSh-23L cannon

The GSh-23L is the muzzle-braked twin-barrel 23 mm aircraft cannon in the Soviet GSh-23 family. Weaponsystems.net describes it as a Gast-principle, single-belt-fed autocannon, and reference sources place it on fighters, gun pods, bomber turrets, and the L-39ZA light combat variant.

GSh-23L cannon, Twin-barrel 23 mm aircraft cannon, Aircraft & UAVs
Image source: Wikimedia Commons GSh-23L cannon.jpg

Specifications

Caliber
23x115 mm
Action
Gas-operated, Gast principle
Feed system
Single belt feed
Rate of fire
3,000-3,400 rpm
Weight
50 kg
Length
1,537 mm
Muzzle velocity
700-730 m/s

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
In service since 1965

Carrier Aircraft

The L-39ZA light combat variant is documented with a single GSh-23 cannon mounted under the fuselage.

CarrierCarrier typeCarriage evidence
Aero L-39 AlbatrosJet trainer and light attack aircraft

American Airpower Museum says the L-39ZA light combat variant was fitted with a single GSh-23 cannon mounted underneath the fuselage.

Sources: American Airpower Museum L-39ZA Albatros

GSh-23L cannon Images

GSh-23L cannon, Twin-barrel 23 mm aircraft cannon, Aircraft & UAVs - view 1
Source: Wikimedia Commons GSh-23L cannon.jpg
GSh-23L cannon, Twin-barrel 23 mm aircraft cannon, Aircraft & UAVs - view 2
Source: Wikimedia Commons GSh-23 on MiG-23.jpg
GSh-23L cannon, Twin-barrel 23 mm aircraft cannon, Aircraft & UAVs - view 3
Source: Wikimedia Commons UPK-23-250 Waw 1.jpg

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Sources

Weaponsystems.net 23mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23Publisher: Weaponsystems.net | Note: Supports the GSh-23 family background, GSh-23L variant details, Gast-principle operation, 23x115 mm chambering, rate of fire, dimensions, and aircraft/pod installations. | Accessed: 2026-06-23Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 - WikipediaPublisher: Wikipedia | Note: Supports the Soviet origin, KBP Instrument Design Bureau attribution, GSh-23L muzzle brake distinction, 1965 service entry, and aircraft/platform list. | Accessed: 2026-06-23American Airpower Museum L-39ZA AlbatrosPublisher: American Airpower Museum | Note: Supports the L-39ZA light combat variant being fitted with a single GSh-23 cannon mounted underneath the fuselage. | Accessed: 2026-06-23Wikimedia Commons GSh-23L cannon.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing for the close-up GSh-23L cannon image. | Accessed: 2026-06-23Wikimedia Commons GSh-23 on MiG-23.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing for a GSh-23L installation image on a MiG-23. | Accessed: 2026-06-23Wikimedia Commons UPK-23-250 Waw 1.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing for the UPK-23-250 gun pod image carrying a GSh-23L cannon. | Accessed: 2026-06-23