Calling the A-10's cannon a "gun" is sort of like calling a Super Nova Star's explosion a "cloud of hot gas". Objects of known matter that get in the way of the flight path of the GAU's 30mm rounds simply "cease to exist".
During my year at Osan AB, I would ride my bicycle around the flightline perimeter road, if the threat condition permitted. Across the runway from the dorms, RoK troops would be manning quad .50 AA guns and would wave back sometimes. Seeing the "really big wing" aircraft take off and land was neat, seeing pairs of F-16's launch at dusk with AB's shaking the ground (and my guts) was impressive, but the most fun was seeing the A-10 pilots do -almost- touch&go landing/take-off followed by low-speed maneuver and occasionally a full-throttle climb from low altitude. Note that the gun goes from the nose nearly to the front of the wing with the pilot on top of it! I'm really glad that they are ours and proud to have been a Maintenance Squadron troop supporting them.
About 25 years ago I had the chance to buy an 8 foot 30mm barrel section with chamber and 25 practice rounds for $1800. I located an old 57mm anti-tank gun chassis to mount it on and checked into the paper work to make a live breach (registered with ATF). I couldn't figure out where I'd shoot it though. Soon after I crested a small hill near town and looked to my left and there above the tree line I could see all 6 of the cities water towers, from a half mile to 4 miles away. Targets! I figured I'd get 3, maybe 4 before the cops got me. After my prison term I'd have some story to tell. Dropped that idea REAL quick and decided to save my money. I bought an AKM instead. It was a lot cheaper to shoot.
My last system in the Navy was CIWS, the 20mm version of the Gatling gun. I always thought that one was impressive, but this one dwarfs it. The side-by-side with the VW was a nice touch :)
Go read it all, courtesy of Ricketyclick.
Almost got a boner reading the article. There is no such thing as too big when it comes to your "gun".
ReplyDeleteCalling the A-10's cannon a "gun" is sort of like calling a Super Nova Star's explosion a "cloud of hot gas". Objects of known matter that get in the way of the flight path of the GAU's 30mm rounds simply "cease to exist".
ReplyDeleteI never tire of conversations that revolve around the A-10.
ReplyDeleteA magnificent airplane, and a shining example of American know how.
During my year at Osan AB, I would ride my bicycle around the flightline perimeter road, if the threat condition permitted. Across the runway from the dorms, RoK troops would be manning quad .50 AA guns and would wave back sometimes. Seeing the "really big wing" aircraft take off and land was neat, seeing pairs of F-16's launch at dusk with AB's shaking the ground (and my guts) was impressive, but the most fun was seeing the A-10 pilots do -almost- touch&go landing/take-off followed by low-speed maneuver and occasionally a full-throttle climb from low altitude. Note that the gun goes from the nose nearly to the front of the wing with the pilot on top of it! I'm really glad that they are ours and proud to have been a Maintenance Squadron troop supporting them.
ReplyDeleteHu-rah, PMEL.
Cheers.
lets hope they don't turn them on us.
ReplyDeleteAbout 25 years ago I had the chance to buy an 8 foot 30mm barrel section with chamber and 25 practice rounds for $1800. I located an old 57mm anti-tank gun chassis to mount it on and checked into the paper work to make a live breach (registered with ATF). I couldn't figure out where I'd shoot it though. Soon after I crested a small hill near town and looked to my left and there above the tree line I could see all 6 of the cities water towers, from a half mile to 4 miles away. Targets! I figured I'd get 3, maybe 4 before the cops got me. After my prison term I'd have some story to tell. Dropped that idea REAL quick and decided to save my money. I bought an AKM instead. It was a lot cheaper to shoot.
ReplyDeleteDoes Dillon make dies for that round yet?
ReplyDeleteWhen I win the Lotto I´ll get one or to and mount it on a Armored Semi-Trailer.
ReplyDeleteReally though 30mm. is the diameter of a good rifle scope.
Dennis
III
Texas
Omygawd!!!! I WANT one!
ReplyDeleteNow if I can just slow down my rapidly beating heart. I never knew that I could get sexually excited by something other than a beautiful female!
Whew
Bob
III
I went and read the link.
ReplyDelete(squeak!)
D-A-A-M-N!
B Woodman
III-per
A member of the saiga forum bought a barrel and filed some paperwork to build a bolt action *mag fed* 30mm, not sure how far along it has come.
ReplyDeleteMy last system in the Navy was CIWS, the 20mm version of the Gatling gun. I always thought that one was impressive, but this one dwarfs it.
ReplyDeleteThe side-by-side with the VW was a nice touch :)