The A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft is famously built around its primary weapon, the massive GAU-8 Avenger Gatling gun. This formidable gun is not just a small component; it's a significant part of the aircraft's structure and weight.
Understanding the GAU-8 Avenger's Size
The GAU-8 Avenger is one of the largest and most powerful Gatling-type guns ever mounted on an aircraft. Its size is impressive, contributing significantly to the A-10's combat capability.
According to Duotech Services, key dimensions and weight specifications include:
- Barrels: The gun features 7 rotating barrels.
- Barrel Length: Each individual barrel is a substantial 7.5 feet long.
- Barrel Weight: Each barrel weighs 70 pounds.
- Total System Weight: Including the loaded ammo drum and feed system, the Avenger weighs approximately 4000 pounds.
This total system weight represents a substantial portion of the A-10's total combat air support load weight, which is cited as 47,094 lbs.
GAU-8 Avenger Specifications
To provide a clear overview, here are some key size-related specifications from the reference:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Number of Barrels | 7 |
| Individual Barrel Length | 7.5 feet |
| Individual Barrel Weight | 70 pounds |
| Total Gun System Weight (with ammo/feed) | 4000 pounds |
| A-10 Combat Load Weight | 47,094 pounds |
This table highlights that the gun system alone makes up a considerable percentage (over 8%) of the aircraft's combat load weight, demonstrating just how "big" and integral it is to the A-10 Warthog. Its length and weight are defining characteristics that allow it to deliver devastating firepower.
