The above (excellent) article reminds us that we sent our warships into mortal combat during 1982 with hopelessly outdated gunnery AAW defences – and payed a heavy price for that grave policy error arguably. One fears we may be making exactly the same mistake again today.

The General Electric GAU-8/A Avenger is a 30 mm hydraulically driven seven-barrel Gatling-style autocannon that is primarily mounted in the United States Air Force's Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II. Designed to destroy a wide variety of ground targets, the Avenger delivers very powerful rounds at a high rate of fire. The GAU-8/A is also used in the Goalkeeper CIWS ship weapon system, which provides defense against short-range threats such as highly maneuverable missiles, aircraft, and fast maneuvering surface vessels. The GAU-8/A is produced by General Dynamics. So, read on to find out more about these two powerful weapons. Exploration Of How 30Mm And 50 Caliber Ammunition Are Used In Various Military Situations The 20mm Phalanx CIWS and the 30mm combination provides a formidable additional line of anti-aircraft defence. (HMS Duncan, 2018). When it comes to bullet speed and energy, 50 caliber ammunition has a higher velocity than the 30mm. The 50 caliber bullet can travel up to a velocity of 2,800 feet per second, whereas the 30mm bullet can only travel up to 3,000 feet per second.

In February 2015, Oshkosh Defense and ATK conducted a firing demonstration of the M230LF on an Oshkosh M-ATV MRAP to demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of a medium caliber weapon system for light tactical vehicles. The live fire demonstration showcased improved accuracy in mobile engagements and improved lethality on the M-ATV using the gun, mounted on the R400S-Mk2, a 3-axis stabilized remote weapon station weighing less than 400kg (880lb). The addition of the 72.6kg (160lb) M230LF stabilized on the RWS provides mobile precise lethality, usually reserved for heavier combat vehicles, with increased off-road mobility and MRAP levels of protection, [15] along with optional Stinger missiles. Oshkosh has also fitted the M230LF to the L-ATV to fulfil the U.S. Army's light reconnaissance vehicle (LRV) role. [16] Because the gun's recoil forces could push the entire plane off target during firing, the weapon is mounted laterally off-center, slightly to the port side of the fuselage centerline, with the active firing barrel lying directly on the aircraft's centerline. [6] The firing barrel also lies just below the aircraft's center of gravity, being bore-sighted along a line 2 degrees below the aircraft's line of flight. This arrangement accurately centers the recoil forces, preventing changes in aircraft pitch or yaw when fired. This configuration also leaves space for the front landing gear, which is mounted slightly off-center on the starboard side of the nose. [19] Aircraft Platform Systems – UH-1 Plank Modular Helicopter Weapon System / Universal Ammunition Loading System (UALS)

Gun Barrels – Gun barrels for U.S. fighter aircraft including the A-10, F-14, F-15, F-16, F/A-18 and F/A-22 Ammunition capacity is another factor to consider when choosing between 30mm and 50 caliber ammunition. 30mm ammunition is lighter and more compact, which means that more rounds can be carried at the same weight. On the other hand, 50 caliber ammunition is larger and heavier, which means that fewer rounds can be carried. Cost The successor to the Mk7, the Oerlikon 20mm/85 KAA cannon GAM-BO1 mounting. In service since 1983, this simple, manually-aimed weapon has a rate of fire of up to 1,000 rounds per minute and remains in use, fitted to the LPDs, the survey vessels and Batch 1 OPVs. (HMS Chatham, 2010) In this section, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of 30mm and 50 caliber ammunition. Both ammunitions have their strengths and weaknesses that make them suitable for different scenarios. Understanding these differences can help you decide which one is best for your needs. Pros And Cons Of Using 30Mm Caliber Ammunition

30mm x 173 GAU-8/A Ammunition

Navantia y Elbit montarán este julio la primera torre Tizona en San Fernando". 11 July 2019. Infodefensa.com 11 July 2019 Orbital ATK rolls out XM813 automatic cannon for US Army Strykers". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 11 August 2018 . Retrieved 11 August 2018. Gunners on a Type 21 frigate during the 1980s operating the same weapon used by their grandfathers in the war – the Oerlikon 20mm Mk 7A. This was a crude but reliable weapon with a rate of fire between 500-800 rounds per min. The cylindrical drum magazine was changed by hand. Yes, it certainly is supposed to be better- although not sure how much better than a 40 mm Bofors equivalent. Lesser penetration power: 30mm bullets have less penetration power than 50 caliber bullets. They are less effective against armored vehicles and buildings.