What does the GAU-8 shoot?
The General Electric GAU-8/A Avenger is a 30 mm hydraulically driven seven-barrel Gatling-style autocannon that is typically mounted in the United States Air Force’s Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II….GAU-8 Avenger.
| GAU-8/A Avenger | |
|---|---|
| Mass | 619.5 lb (281 kg) |
| Barrel length | 90.5 in (2.30 m) |
| Cartridge | 30×173 mm |
| Caliber | 30 mm |
What does Gau gun stand for?
Gatling AUtocannon
GAU is an acronym for “Gatling AUtocannon”, “Gun, AUtomatic”, or “Gun Aircraft Unit”?
What is an a-10 GAU-8?
The AN/GAU-8 is used exclusively by the United States Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, a dedicated Close Air Support aircraft which was essentially designed around the Avenger gun system.
How much is a 30mm round?
It is used in attack helicopters, such as the Apache AH-64. It is estimated that each 30mm round costs $100.
How many rounds can an A-10 carry?
The magazine can hold 1,350 rounds of ammunition. The pilot can select a firing rate of 2,100 or 4,200 rounds a minute.
Is the GAU-8 Avenger used in the Air Force?
The AN/GAU-8 is used exclusively by the United States Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, a dedicated Close Air Support aircraft which was essentially designed around the Avenger gun system.
How big is the GAU-8 Avenger 30 mm gun?
Service: USAF Weight: 619.5 lb Total Length: 19 ft 10.5 in Barrel Length: 90.5 in Width: 17.2 in Caliber: 30 mm Barrels: 7 Max Rate of Fire: 4,200 rpm Muzzle Velocity: 3,500 ft/s Maximum Range: 3,660 m. The AN/GAU-8 Avenger 30mm gun system was specifically built to serve as a Close Air Support “Tank Buster” for the U.S. Air Force.
Where is the recoil adapter on a GAU-8 Avenger?
This arrangement accurately centers the recoil forces, preventing changes in pitch and/or yaw when fired. This configuration also provides space for the front landing gear, which is mounted slightly off-center on the right side of the nose. The GAU-8/A utilizes recoil adapters. They are the interface between the gun housing and the gun mount.
What makes the GAU-8 / A a good gun?
The GAU-8/A provides a reliable, high-rate-of-fire, combat-proven weapon for close air support and shipboard defense missions. Each of the gun’s seven barrels contains its own breech bolt assembly, which fires once per gun revolution. This ensures long barrel life because firing loads are distributed over all seven barrels.