Hello everyone.
Welcome back to another episode of Military TV.
Today, we will be talking about the US’ spectacular weapon GAU-8 Avenger.
If you find yourself curious about this modern super weapon, don’t go anywhere and stay
tuned.
Initially produced by General Electric, the American multinational conglomerate, GAU-8/A
Avenger is known to be a 30 mm hydraulically driven seven-barrel Gatling-style autocannon
that is typically mounted on Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, one of the United States
Air Force’s jet aircrafts which is also known by the name ‘Warthog’ or ‘Hog’.
It was categorized as Gatling-style weapon because of it uses a Gatling-type rotating
barrel assembly in order to deliver a sustained direct fire at much higher rates of fire than
the single-barrelled autocannons of the same caliber.
The Avenger was designed specifically for anti-tank roles, and it is a famous weapon
capable of launching powerful rounds at a high rate of fire.
The GAU-8/A is also employed in the Goalkeeper CIWS ship armament system, which defends against
short-range threats such highly maneuverable missiles, planes, and fast-moving surface
vehicles.
Tracing its history, it was first begun in November 1970, when the Air Force published
a request for proposal for a 30mm rapid fire cannon to be used in the A-X Close Air Support
aircraft.
The prototype cannon, called GAU-8, was chosen in June of 1971 by General Electric and Philco
Ford.
The contract also required the development of four types of ammunition: armour-piercing
incendiary, high explosive incendiary, semi-armour-piercing high explosive, and target practice.
Then on February 26, 1974, the GAU-8 underwent its maiden in-flight test.
Subsequently, on June 19, 1974, the gun was fired for the first time in flight using combat
ammo.
During nearly 60 test flights, the Avenger discharged over 39,000 rounds of ammunition.
The cannon was put through its paces in a variety of flight profiles, from 25,000 feet
to 100 feet, and at speeds ranging from 135 knots to 415 knots.
Looking through details, the Avenger itself weighs around 280 kilograms, but the complete
weapon weighs 1,828 kg with a maximum ammunition load.
Operating the gun requires twin hydraulic motors which are pressurized from two independent
hydraulic systems.
The use of aluminium alloy casings instead of typical steel or brass cases is a unique
feature of the GAU-8/A ammunition.
This alone increases ammunition capacity by 30% for a given weight.
The rate of fire of the Avenger was initially adjustable, with a low setting of 2,100 rpm
and a high setting of 4,200 rpm.
Later, this rate was altered to a set rate of 3,900 revolutions per minute.
There is no technological limit to how long the cannon may be continually fired, and a
pilot could possibly waste the whole ammunition load in a single burst without causing damage
or harm to the weapons system.
So, what makes the Avenger so prestigious and powerful?
Well, it is its accuracy.
The GAU-8/A is exceptionally accurate and has a rate of fire of up to 3,900 rounds per
minute.
The 30-mm shell has twice the range, half the time to target, and three times the bulk
of similar close air support aircraft ammunition.
When fitted in the A-10, the GAU-8/A accuracy is rated at "5 mil, 80%," which means that
80% of bullets fired will hit within a cone with a five-milliradian angle, which amounts
to a 12-meter diameter circle at the weapon's design range of 1,200 m.
This is truly a fantastic gun.
It's no surprise that the US Air Force desired such a weapon, and it undoubtedly aids in
making US jets the greatest in the world.
That’s all for today!
Thank you for watching and see you in the next episode!