GAU-8/A Avenger | |
---|---|
![]() The GAU-8/A Avenger's barrel and breech assembly (ammunition drum off right edge of photo) | |
Type | Gatling-style autocannon |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | since 1977 |
Used by | United States Air Force (Avenger) Various navies (Goalkeeper) |
Production history | |
Designer | General Electric |
Manufacturer | General Electric General Dynamics |
Produced | since 1977 |
Variants | GAU-12/U Equalizer GAU-13/A |
Specifications | |
Mass | 619.5 lb (281 kg) |
Length | 19 ft 10.5 in (6.06 m) (total system) 112.28 in (2.85 m) (gun only) |
Barrel length | 90.5 in (2.30 m) |
Width | 17.2 in (0.437 m) (barrels only) |
Cartridge | 30×173 mm |
Caliber | 30 mm |
Barrels | 7-barrel (progressive RH parabolic twist, 24 grooves)[1] |
Action | Electrically controlled, hydraulic-driven |
Rate of fire | 3,900 rpm (variable)[2][3] |
Muzzle velocity | 3,324 ft/s (1,010 m/s) (API) |
Effective firing range | 4,000 feet (1,220 m) |
Maximum firing range | Over 12,000 feet (3,660 m) |
Feed system | Linkless feed system |
The General Electric GAU-8/A Avenger is a 30 mm hydraulically driven seven-barrel Gatling-style autocannon that is primarily mounted in the United States Air Force's Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II. Designed to destroy a wide variety of ground targets, the Avenger delivers 30mm rounds at a high rate of fire. The GAU-8/A is also used in the Goalkeeper CIWS ship weapon system, which provides defense against short-range threats such as highly maneuverable missiles, aircraft, and fast-maneuvering surface vessels. The GAU-8/A was designed by General Electric and has been produced by General Dynamics since 1977.
© MMXXIII Rich X Search. We shall prevail. All rights reserved. Rich X Search