What does GAU-4/A mean in AIRCRAFT & AVIATION
GAU-4/A is an acronym that stands for Gun Automatic Unit - 4 / for Aircraft. It refers to a specific type of cannon used on aircraft for close air support and aerial combat.
GAU-4/A meaning in Aircraft & Aviation in Miscellaneous
GAU-4/A mostly used in an acronym Aircraft & Aviation in Category Miscellaneous that means Gun Automatic Unit - 4 / for Aircraft
Shorthand: GAU-4/A,
Full Form: Gun Automatic Unit - 4 / for Aircraft
For more information of "Gun Automatic Unit - 4 / for Aircraft", see the section below.
Full Form
GAU-4/A stands for:
- G: Gun
- A: Automatic
- U: Unit
- 4: The fourth in a series of Gatling-style cannons developed for aircraft use
- /A: Indicates the version of the cannon (in this case, the original version)
Description
The GAU-4/A is a 30 mm hydraulically driven Gatling-style cannon that fires at an extremely high rate of speed. It is designed to be mounted on the wings or fuselage of aircraft and is typically used for close air support, aerial combat, and anti-aircraft defense.
Features
- High Rate of Fire: The GAU-4/A can fire up to 2,100 rounds per minute, making it one of the fastest-firing cannons in the world.
- Multiple-Barrel Design: The cannon has six rotating barrels that work together to achieve the high rate of fire.
- Armor-Piercing Capability: The GAU-4/A uses 30 mm armor-piercing rounds that are designed to penetrate heavily armored targets.
- Remote Control: The cannon can be remotely controlled from the cockpit, allowing the pilot to fire the cannon without exposing themselves to enemy fire.
Essential Questions and Answers on Gun Automatic Unit - 4 / for Aircraft in "MISCELLANEOUS»AIRCRAFT"
What is a GAU-4/A?
The GAU-4/A Gun Automatic Unit is a 30mm Gatling gun designed for use on aircraft. It is a four-barreled, air-cooled, gas-operated weapon with a rate of fire of 2,100 rounds per minute. The GAU-4/A is primarily used to provide close air support for ground troops and to defend aircraft against air-to-air attacks.
How does the GAU-4/A work?
The GAU-4/A is a rotary cannon, which means that it uses a rotating barrel to fire multiple rounds in rapid succession. The barrels are driven by an electric motor, and each barrel has its own firing mechanism. As the barrels rotate, they pass through a series of firing positions. At each firing position, a round is loaded into the barrel, the firing pin is struck, and the round is fired. The empty cartridge case is then ejected, and the barrel continues to rotate.
What is the range of the GAU-4/A?
The effective range of the GAU-4/A is approximately 1,000 meters. However, the maximum range of the weapon is much greater, and it can be used to engage targets at distances of up to 4,000 meters.
What types of ammunition can the GAU-4/A fire?
The GAU-4/A can fire a variety of 30mm ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds, high-explosive rounds, and incendiary rounds. The type of ammunition used will depend on the target being engaged.
What aircraft is the GAU-4/A typically mounted on?
The GAU-4/A is typically mounted on the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft. However, it has also been used on other aircraft, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-35 Lightning II.
Final Words: GAU-4/A stands for Gun Automatic Unit - 4 / for Aircraft. It is a powerful and versatile cannon used on aircraft for close air support, aerial combat, and anti-aircraft defense. The cannon's high rate of fire, multiple-barrel design, and armor-piercing capability make it an effective weapon against a wide range of targets.