Abstract: A retractable gun for mounting within the fuselage of an aircraft, typically a helicopter, is disposed in a firing position and aimed by rotation of a turret which is coupled to and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The gun is aimed by simultaneous and independent rotation of the gun about an elevation pivot axis through which the gun is coupled to the turret. The turret axis and turret is disposed within an enclosure or within the fuselage of the airplane to allow withdrawal of the gun and turret from their exposed position. However, even in the enclosed position the gun can be fired. The elevation pivot axis is approximately perpendicular to the turret axis and permits two independent degrees of rotational freedom with which the gun may be aimed. Thus, the gun may be aimed at any point within at least a hemispherical range beneath the fuselage of an aircraft.