Almaz
The
Almaz (Алмаз - "Diamond") program was a series of military
space stations launched by the
Soviet Union under cover of the
Salyut program. Three Almaz stations were launched;
Salyut 2,
Salyut 3 and
Salyut 5. Salyut 2 failed shortly after achieving orbit, but Salyut 3 and 5 both conducted successful manned testing.
In addition to reconnaisance equipment, the Almaz had an on-board 23mm Nudelmann aircraft cannon (other sources say it was a Nudelmann NR-30 30mm gun). Salyut 3 conducted a successful test firing on a target satellite.