30mm links

[Spaceinvader]

Hello All,
I was looking through gunbroker today on some free time and I noticed these casings for sale. Probably from a GAU-8 like the ad says but the links are what caught my eye. They are ofcourse not from a GAU-8 as it doesnt use links. Can anyone tell me what they are used on and who uses them? Never seen any like this and thought it was interesting.
Rhys

 

[kahu1]

Could be the feed mechanism that they use to load the rounds into the A-10,they are loaded individually into a feed link belt then fed into the ammo drum.

 

[Richard709]

Its part of the feed mechanism, the Goalkeeper GAU-8 has links.

 

[Slick]

Just here to dispute.

Not for the A10. They use the plastic tubes to transfer from can to magazine.


Not knowing anything about the Goalkeeper, I had to look it up. This page notes (scroll down) it too is a linkless system. The initial query links may be part of the loading system, but couldn't find anything on it.

http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNNeth_30mm_Goalkeeper.htm

UPDATE I misread kahu1's comment. About it being part of the feed mechanism for the A10 loader. It does appear to be more "chain" drive system component that drives the rounds through the chute(s) and into the mag. drum. Whatever they are, I want them!

 

[Spaceinvader]

Thanks gents. Interesting as I have never seen them before. Slick, if you want I can send you the link to the Auction!

 

[Spaceinvader]

I have a couple of those links, they are for the MK44 right?

 

[Nabob]

IMHO it must be a part of a feed mechanism as they are machined with some precision and seem to be heavy duty. Unlike the sheatmetal stamped ammo links.

 

[orpheus72]

The first links are indeed most likely internal feed links .

They seem to have the same type of construction (also with bolted links) as the internal feeding links used on (some of) the loading equipment for 20x102 systems (see pics)

 

[tomsk]

The GAU8 system uses 2 types of links like these in the pics

 

[Slick]

Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Taber10, I have added this threesome of feed mech. links to the collection. Very similar to the ones posted by Orpheus.