Which USAF gun system is loaded and unloaded by the Linkless Ammunition Loading System (LALS)?

The M61A1, a 20 mm cannon, is the USAF gun system that is loaded and unloaded by the Linkless Ammunition Loading System (LALS). This system is specifically designed for aircraft gun systems to efficiently manage ammunition handling. The LALS allows for a continuous feed of ammunition without the need for traditional links that are typically used in many other machine guns and rifles.

The advantage of using the LALS with the M61A1 is that it enhances the reliability and speed of loading and unloading ammunition, which is crucial in combat situations where time and efficiency are critical. This technology reduces the weight and bulk of linked ammunition, making it easier to transport and load.

In contrast, systems like the M249, M16, and M2 Browning rely on different types of ammunition feeding mechanisms. The M249 and M2 Browning utilize linked ammunition, which requires distinct loading procedures that do not involve a linkless system. The M16, a rifle designed for individual infantry use, employs magazines for loading, completely differing from the aircraft-mounted systems that utilize LALS.