USAF to Equip Airmen with GAU-5A Aircrew Self Defense Weapon

By Tactical-Life

The U.S. Air Force is equipping its airmen with a new rifle: the GAU-5A Aircrew Self Defense Weapon.

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GAU-5A Rifle

Based on the M4 carbine, the GAU-5A features Cry Havoc Tactical’s Quick Release Barrel, the Air Force Times reports. It’s designed to fit into the standard survival kit under the ejection seat for downed fighter and bomber crews.

“The [GAU-5A] and four full magazines, 30 rounds [each], must all fit in the ejection seat survival kit,” said Maj. Docleia Gibson, Air Combat Command spokeswoman. “This has driven the dimension of 16 x 14 x 3.5 inches.”

In a separate statement to The Firearm Blog, Gibson added that the GAU-5A is “capable of firing a 3-round burst. It uses standard 5.56mm ammunition with an effective range beyond 200m. The weapon can be assembled/disassembled in 60 seconds without tools.”

Gibson told Military.com that …Read the Rest

Source:: Tactical Life