The A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft is renowned for carrying the GAU-8 Avenger, often cited as having one of the fastest-firing gun systems ever mounted on an aircraft.
The GAU-8/A Avenger is a powerful 30mm hydraulically driven seven-barrel Gatling-type autocannon primarily equipped on the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II. Its incredibly high rate of fire allows it to deliver a devastating stream of depleted uranium or armor-piercing rounds, making the A-10 highly effective in its close air support role.
Based on the reference provided, here are some key specifications for the GAU-8/A Avenger:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Rate of Fire | 3,900 rpm (variable) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 3,324 ft/s (1,010 m/s) (API) |
| Effective Range | 4,000 feet (1,220 m) |
| Maximum Range | Over 12,000 feet (3,660 m) |
This variable rate of fire, reaching up to 3,900 rounds per minute, means the gun can fire over 65 rounds per second when set to its maximum rate. This capability is crucial for quickly saturating a target area, engaging fast-moving vehicles, and providing effective fire support during rapid passes over a target zone.
The integration of this massive weapon system significantly influenced the design of the A-10 aircraft itself. The gun is mounted slightly off-center to align its firing barrel with the aircraft's centerline, compensating for recoil forces which are substantial at high rates of fire. The plane's structure was built robustly to withstand the stresses of firing the GAU-8.
While other aircraft carry high rate-of-fire guns, the GAU-8/A Avenger's combination of caliber, muzzle velocity, and rapid firing rate, paired specifically with the A-10 Thunderbolt II, makes this aircraft-gun combination exceptional in the context of "fastest shooting guns" mounted on a plane for its primary mission.
