30 x 172 gau 9

[SG500]

Just a couple of photos of the 30 X 172 GAU 9 round.

In the early 1970's when the GAU 8 was developed alternatives were considered, one of them bring the attached.

The competitive shoot off happened in 1973 and the Gau 8 with its plastic bands won - plastic bands giving much better barrel life.

If anyone has any different loadings of this round I'd be interested in seeing photographs/information.

All INERT/hole drilled in back etc.

Dave.

 

[Chris 42 RQ]

Very nice !

What a beauty that one is !

You must have the whole set now Dave ?

 

[Charlie]

Hi Dave, Thanks for that case, intriguing! looks like some research to be done.

Your GAU9 looks the same as

http://www.bocn.co.uk/vbforum/30mm-id-needed-t53593.html?t=53593&highlight=30mm

(yours if ya want it)

Just yours has an extra line of writing. What exactly is stamped on yours?

C.

 

[SG500]

Glad you got it Charlie. There is some info on it on:

http://www.bocn.co.uk/vbforum/swiss-30-x-t48085.html

I can't see any stamping on my GAU 9.

Yes please to the projectile if its spare.

Dave.

 

[Tony Williams]

For info, the GAU-9 was a version of the Oerlikon KCA five-chamber single-barrel revolver cannon which only saw service with the Swedish Air Force in some versions of the SAAB Viggen fighter. Its 30x173 ammo formed the basis of the GAU-8's round, only it was changed in three ways: light alloy instead of steel case, plastic driving band and percussion rather than electric priming.

The GAU-9 was viewed as a backup project in case the GAU-8 failed (the A-10 would have carried two GAU-9).

Of course, the 30x173 has now been adopted for AFV guns and reverted to a steel case, but it keeps the percussion priming.

 

[SG500]

Thanks for the additional information Tony.
Dave.