GAU-8 Avenger

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.