The US Air Force (USAF) has completed the rollout of a new 5.56 mm rifle to most of its pilots flying in ejection-seat aircraft, the service announced in mid-February.
The GAU-5A Aircrew Self Defense Weapon in its fully assembled state is designed to provide downed aircrew with additional firepower while they await rescue. (US Air Force)
Based on the Colt M4 Carbine, the GAU-5A Aircrew Self Defense Weapon (ASDW) is being issued to provide downed aircrew with additional firepower while they wait for rescue.
As noted by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Armament Directorate, the Air Force Gunsmith Shop has designed the ASDW to be broken down for storage inside the base of the United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS) ACES 2 ejection seat.
The GAU-5A Aircrew Self Defense Weapon does not feature any optics, and is designed to be assembled in less than 30 seconds. (US Air Force)
The weapon weighs about 3 kg because it is not fitted with optics. Stored in two parts, it can be assembled within 30 seconds. Images of the stowed rifle show it to be issued with four magazines each capable of holding 30 rounds.
From February 2018 through to January 2020, about 2,700 rifles were delivered to aircrew.
“According to the Small Arms Program Office the cost to develop and field this new weapons system was USD2.6 million. This weapon was developed to meet an urgent operational need to increase downed aircrew survivability,” the USAF said.
Seen in its stowed configuration in the base of the ACES 2 ejection seat, the GAU-5A comes with four 30-round magazines. (US Air Force)
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...
