GAU-12 Equalizer
This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2017) |
GAU-12/U Equalizer | |
---|---|
Type | Rotary cannon |
Place of origin | United States |
Production history | |
Designer | General Electric |
Manufacturer | General Dynamics |
Specifications | |
Mass | GAU-12: 270 pounds (120 kg) without feed system GAU-22: 230 pounds (100 kg) without feed system |
Length | 83.2 in (2.11 m) |
Width | GAU-12: 11.5 inches (290 mm) GAU-22: 11.1–13.3 inches (280–340 mm) |
Height | 10.2 inches (260 mm) |
Cartridge | 25 × 137 mm |
Caliber | 25 mm (0.98 in) |
Barrels | GAU-12: 5-barrel GAU-22: 4-barrel (progressive RH parabolic twist, 11 grooves) |
Action | Hydraulic, Electric, Pneumatic |
Rate of fire | GAU-12: 1,800–4,200 rounds per minute GAU-22: 3,300 rounds per minute |
Muzzle velocity | (HEI) 3,400 ft/s (1,040 m/s); (API) 3,280 ft/s (1,000 m/s); (APEX) 3,200 ft/s (970 m/s) |
Maximum firing range | 12,000 feet (3,660 m) |
Feed system | Linked or linkless |
Sights | Lead Computing Optical Sight System (LCOSS) |
The General Dynamics GAU-12/U Equalizer is a five-barrel
Development
The five-barrel Equalizer cannon was developed in the late 1970s, based on the mechanism of the 30mm
GAU-22/A
The GAU-22/A is a four-barrel version of the GAU-12/U designed for use on the
The
It features a tungsten carbide penetrator in the tip and an explosive fragmentation body, to be multi-purpose against both hardened and soft targets. Also, the presence of a clockworking inertia-driven mechanical fuze in the mid-body, protects the round from shocks, misfires and cookoffs, making it safer to handle and fire.Uses
The current principal application for the Equalizer is the
The Equalizer is also used in the
The Equalizer was also used as the basis for the Sea Vulcan 25, a turret mounted gun for naval ship self-defense, although not as a
Intended as a higher-firepower alternative to conventional deck-mounted machine guns and cannon, the weapon employs the Navy's Mk 24 target designator and laser range finder for enhanced accuracy. The gun was developed in the mid-1980s as a cost-effective protection for ships smaller than frigate or corvette or patrol boats, but did not enter this service.
The GAU-12 was utilized as the principal armament for the Rutan ARES.
The four-barrel GAU-22 is carried internally by the F-35A (the CTOL version of the F-35) on the port side of the fuselage, with 181 PGU-47/U APEX rounds. In contrast, the F-35B STOVL and C CATOBAR aircraft mount the GAU-22 in a stealthy external gun pod under the fuselage, together with 220 rounds.
Specifications (GAU-12/U)
- Type: Five-barreled rotary cannon
- Caliber: 25 mm (0.98 in)
- Operation: electric
- Length: 83.2 in (2.11 m)
- Weight (complete): 270 lb (122 kg)
- Rate of fire: 3,600–4,200 rounds per minute
- Muzzle velocity: (HEI) 3,400 ft/s (1,040 m/s); (API) 3,280 ft/s (1,000 m/s)
- Projectile weight: (HEI) 6.5 oz (184 g); (API) 7.6 oz (215 g)
- Muzzle energy: (HEI) 73,400 ft·lbf (99,500 joules); (API) 79,300 ft·lbf (107,500 joules)
Specifications (GAU-22/A)
- Type: Four-barreled rotary cannon
- Caliber: 25 mm (0.98 in)
- Operation: electric
- Length: 83.2 in (2.11 m)
- Weight (complete): 230 lb (104 kg)
- Rate of fire: 3,300 rounds per minute
- Muzzle velocity: (APEX) 3,200 ft/s (970 m/s)
- Projectile weight: (APEX) 7.87 oz (223 g)
- Muzzle energy: (APEX) 77,400 ft·lbf (104,900 joules)
Similar systems
References
- ^ Maher, Dave (2006-03-30). "25mm Gun Systems for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter" (PDF). National Defense Industrial Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-10-29. Retrieved 2008-10-14.
- ^ GAU-22/A fact sheet General Dynamics
- ^ GAU-12/U fact sheet General Dynamics
- ^ GAU-8/A fact sheet General Dynamics
- ^ "APEX – Armor Piercing with Explosive. The Dual Purpose Round for the F-35" (PDF). Nammo.
- ^ "Norway contracts for F-35 ammunition." UPI, 29 November 2010.
External links
- General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems GAU-12/U page
- General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems GAU-22/A page
- F-35 JSF gun system page on General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (manufacturer) site
- FAS.org: GAU-12 Equalizer
- Globalsecurity.com's article on the GAU-12
- Sea Vulcan archive Video