DIO Akhgar
Defense Industries Organization · Machine Gun · Limited Production · 2010
Also known as: Akhgar, Akhgar Gatling gun
Overview
The DIO Akhgar is an Iranian six-barrel, electrically-driven rotary machine gun chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. Built by Iran's Defense Industries Organization and first shown in 2010, it is a domestic copy of the American General Electric M134 Minigun, using a Gatling-style rotating barrel cluster spun by an external electric motor to achieve a very high cyclic rate of up to 6,000 rounds per minute. Intended for mounting on vehicles and aircraft, it has appeared mainly at military parades and exhibitions rather than in widespread front-line service.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 15900 g (560.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 800 mm (31.50") |
| Barrel Length | 555 mm (21.85") |
| Action Type | Electric Gatling |
| Firing Mechanism | Externally Powered |
| Trigger Type | Electric |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 869 m/s (2851 fps) |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 6000 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Linked Belt
- Features: Six Barrel Rotary Assembly, External Electric Drive, Linked Belt Feed, Vehicle Or Aircraft Mounted
Service history
Operators
- Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces · adopted 2010 · as Akhgar
Production
Production years: 2010-present
Limited production; largely a parade and exhibition weapon with little confirmed front-line deployment.
Origin
Country of origin: Iran
Designer: Defense Industries Organization
Notes
Specifications closely mirror those of the M134 Minigun on which the design is based; published Iranian figures vary and some details are estimated. The cyclic rate is commonly cited as variable between roughly 4,000 and 6,000 rounds per minute.
Background
Unveiled by Iran in 2010 as an indigenous answer to the American M134 Minigun, the Akhgar became a recurring fixture at Iranian military parades, where its blur of six spinning barrels served as a showpiece of domestic arms capability.