GAU-8/A Avenger – Single Largest Forward-firing Cannon

The GAU-8/A Avenger is a 30 mm powerful aircraft cannon. It is hydraulically-driven seven-barrel Gatling-type rotary cannon developed by General Electric designed specifically for the anti-tank role. This powerful weapon is mounted on the A-10 Thunderbolt II of the US Air Force. It is regarded as one of the largest, heaviest and most powerful aircraft cannon with an over-all weight of 1,828 kg and measures 5.9 meters in length. When the entire cannon with its drum-style ammunition magazine is considered, is the single largest forward-firing cannon ever fitted into an aircraft.  The magazine can hold 1,174 rounds, although 1,150 is the more normal load-out. Muzzle velocity when firing Armor-Piercing Incendiary rounds is 990 m/s.