Aircraft (10) carries at least two clusters of barrel assemblies. At least one cluster is oriented normal to the longitudinal axis of aircraft (10) and at least one other cluster is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of aircraft (10). Each cluster comprises a plurality of barrel assemblies, with each barrel having a plurality of axially disposed projectiles therein. Each projectile is associated with a discrete, sequentially activated propellant charge for propelling it through the muzzle of the barrel. Various methods of deploying a multiplicity of projectiles onto a target from aircraft (10) are also described and claimed. The projectiles deployment might occur at any time whils aircraft (10) is approaching the target, overflying the target, or departing from the target. The projectiles may include smoke canisters, high explosive canisters, flares, electronic and thermal countermeasures, mines, grenades or cameras.