GAU-8 Avenger on A-10 Thunderbolt II

An overview and live fire demo of the 30mm GAU-8 Avenger, which is the primary weapon system for the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

GAU-8 Avenger Specs:

  • Cartridge: 30 × 173 mm
  • Caliber: 30 mm caliber
  • Barrels: 7-barrel (progressive RH parabolic twist, 14 grooves)
  • Action: Electrically controlled, Hydraulic-Driven
  • Rate of Fire: up to 4,200 rpm (rounds per minute)
  • Muzzle Velocity: 3,500 ft/s (1,070 m/s)
  • Effective Firing Range: 4,000 feet (1,220 m)
  • Maximum Firing Range: Over 12,000 feet (3,660 m)
  • Feed System: Linkless feed system
  • Weight: 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) (barrel only)