30 x 172 gau 9

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.

Very nice !

What a beauty that one is !

You must have the whole set now Dave ?

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.

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.

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.

Thanks for the additional information Tony.
Dave.