GAU-8 Avenger

GAU-8/A Avenger
The GAU-8/A Avenger's barrel and breech assembly
(ammunition drum off right edge of photo)
TypeGatling-style autocannon
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In servicesince 1977
Used byUnited States Air Force (Avenger)
Various navies (Goalkeeper)
Production history
DesignerGeneral Electric
ManufacturerGeneral Electric
General Dynamics
Producedsince 1977
VariantsGAU-12/U Equalizer
GAU-13/A
Specifications
Mass619.5 lb (281 kg)
Length19 ft 10.5 in (6.06 m) (total system)
112.28 in (2.85 m) (gun only)
Barrel length90.5 in (2.30 m)
Width17.2 in (0.437 m) (barrels only)

Cartridge30×173 mm
Caliber30 mm
Barrels7-barrel (progressive RH parabolic twist, 24 grooves)[1]
ActionElectrically controlled, hydraulic-driven
Rate of fire3,900 rpm (variable)[2][3]
Muzzle velocity3,324 ft/s (1,010 m/s) (API)
Effective firing range4,000 feet (1,220 m)
Maximum firing rangeOver 12,000 feet (3,660 m)
Feed systemLinkless 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 Dutch 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.

  1. ^ "GAU-8V'GUN BARREL RIFLING DEVELOPMENT" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on February 16, 2022.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference stephens was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference TO_1A-10A-1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).