Gunpod

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A gunpod is an external weapon system attached to the body of a vehicle. The idea is to increase or diversify the offensive capabilities of the vehicle, usually a helicopter or a plane, while prolonging the lifespan of the vehicle's design with easy upgrades and modifications.

[edit] Types

Any aircraft or helicopter outfitted with hardpoints can carry a variety of different Gunpods. For example, during the Vietnam War USAF light aircraft often were equipped with 7.62mm Minigun pods attached to their wings. Often small airforces will outfit planes normally used for reconissance or training purposes with machine gun or cannon pods so they can be used in a light attack or counter-insurgency capabilty. Examples include T-6 Texan and T-28 Trojan trainers that were used by many air forces during the 1950s and 60's. Transport or utility helicopters such as the Aérospatiale Gazelle are often outfitted with gunpods that carry a variety of weapons such as 20mm cannon.

[edit] In fiction

Gunpods are a mainstay in many science fiction franchises, especially in anime mecha shows. In Macross, many transformable vehicles have gunpods that detach and can be held in the mecha's robotic hand. Such gunpods may look like gigantic assault rifles.