GAU-8 Avenger
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 very powerful 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 is produced by General Dynamics.
| 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) |
| Action | Electrically controlled, hydraulic-driven |
| Rate of fire | 3,900 rpm (variable) |
| 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 |
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