A Selection of aerospace capability options
The air battlespace is one of the most technically demanding environments any defence equipment will face; where vibration, weight, aerodynamics and mission-critical reliability leave no room for compromise. ISTEC aerospace gunmount systems are engineered specifically for this arena.
Manufactured to rigorous aerospace quality standards, produced through an aerospace-approved supply chain, and developed in close collaboration with airframe OEMs, ISTEC mounts are trusted on helicopter platforms worldwide. Each system is platform-qualified, fully integrated, and engineered to meet the precise structural, performance and safety requirements of the aircraft.
Because every aircraft type presents unique constraints and mission demands, no two solutions are identical. ISTEC delivers bespoke gunmount systems tailored to the specific platform, operator and operational requirement; ensuring optimal capability without compromise.
Internal Mounts
ISTEC aerospace weapon mounts for 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns provide a stable, mission-ready platform for crew-served weapons in the demanding rotary-wing environment.
Designed for internal installation — whether through a cabin window or open door aperture — these systems allow the weapon to be rapidly brought inboard when not in use. The aperture can then be closed, improving aircraft aerodynamics, reducing drag, and lowering the overall capability signature of the platform when discretion or transit efficiency is required.
At the core of our capability are buffered softmount systems. The weapon is housed within a recoil-managed softmount incorporating engineered recoil and run-out mechanisms that reduce peak recoil forces by up to 40%, while maintaining full weapon functionality and rate of fire. This controlled recoil management enhances operator stability, reduces structural loading on the airframe, and supports long-term platform integrity.
Softmounts interface with the parent aircraft via a range of proven spigot options, including G3 tapered spigot, NATO 4796 tapered spigot, US standard parallel spigot, and dedicated minigun spigots, among others. The receiver can mount directly to the aircraft structure or integrate with swing arm or pintle arrangements, incorporating essential aerospace safety features such as certified arc stops.
Manufactured to the airframe OEM’s required standards, each mount is designed and qualified specifically for its host platform. Every solution is bespoke to the individual airframe type, ensuring compliance, approval integrity, and maximum operational capability.
If your programme requires an internally mounted weapon solution, contact ISTEC to discuss how we can design and provide the capability you need.
External Mounts
ISTEC external aerospace weapon mounts are engineered to deliver robust, mission-ready firepower while preserving valuable cabin space within the aircraft.
By positioning the weapon system externally, these mounts maximise internal carrying capacity and ensure unobstructed access through cabin doors. This allows personnel, equipment, and mission payloads to be moved efficiently without interference from internal weapon structures — a critical advantage in troop transport, CASEVAC, or multi-role configurations.
Externally mounted systems also provide a clear and deliberate visual capability signature. The presence of a visible weapon system can act as a deterrent, projecting operational readiness and force presence when required.
Built to aerospace quality standards and developed in collaboration with airframe OEMs, ISTEC external mounts are structurally optimised for the aerodynamic and vibrational demands of the rotary-wing environment. Each system is platform-specific and fully qualified to meet the unique load cases, safety requirements, and certification standards of the host aircraft.
As with all ISTEC solutions, every external mount is bespoke to the individual airframe and mission requirement — delivering maximum operational capability without compromise.
If your programme requires an externally mounted weapon solution, contact ISTEC to discuss how we can design and provide the capability you need.
