Posted on 07/29/2016 7:08:54 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
The F-35A has already fired its internal GAU-22 25mm cannon both on the ground and in the air, and now the gun pod intended for the B and C models, which lack an internal cannon, is being test-fired on the aircraft for the very first time. The gun pod is housed in a semi-low observable (stealthy) enclosure attached to the F-35B and C’s centerlines, between the weapons bays. The gun’s “common” enclosure design can also be used to house other bolt-on systems in the future.
LOCKHEED MARTIN
A F-35B loaded with GBU-12 laser guided bombs, AIM-9X Sidewinders, and a gun pod.
The GAU-22 is actually a lighter, four-barrel (instead of five) version of the GAU-12 Equalizer cannon that's pod-mounted on the AV-8B Harrier and also found on the AC-130U gunship. The F-35’s gun pod holds 220 rounds of 25mm ammunition in a helical magazine that spirals around the gun itself and has a rate of fire of around 3,000 rounds per minute. This equates to about 50 rounds per second, or half the rate of fire of the M61 Vulcan 20mm cannon found on all other American jet fighters.
For what the GAU-12 lacks in rapidity it makes up for in destructive power. Its 25mm ammunition has a far greater effect than its 20mm little cousin. This makes it more ideal for attacking ground targets, but less so for close-in dogfights with other aircraft.
With 220 rounds available in the F-35’s gun pod, the pilot has 4.4 second of “trigger time” until the magazine runs empty. This equates to about four short trigger pulls if the pilot is miserly. The F-35A, with its internal cannon, carries even less ammunition—only 182 rounds—equating to about three trigger pulls at best.
(Excerpt) Read more at thedrive.com ...
GENERAL DYNAMICS/JSF JPO
The internal components of the F-35's GAU-22 gun pod.
It’s guns may work but the “super ammo” won’t be available for a couple more years.
What the heck was wrong with the F-22? It already had everything - BETTER.
If I was a soldier on the ground I would still much rather know a warthog was on it’s way.
What has been explained to me is that the F-35 is intended to act as a queen bee while multiple drones are able to take orders from it.
Looks like its a smiley face
4.4s.
How does that compare with other fighters or attack aircraft?
About d*mn time. it’s only been under construction for longer than we were in WWII.
The F-35 still carries more ammo than all its present (non-U.S.) rivals from Europe and Russia, where fighters typically carry 100-150 rounds.
“Looks like its a smiley face”
EXACTLY what I said to myself. Does that thing retract? Looks like a lot of drag, non stealthy.
But isn't that the role of the F-22 to an AWACS? Or are you saying the F-35 acts as an AWACS to true drones, like the Predator?
Hang a gun pod, say goodbye to any stealth.
TC
Sorry short of guided cannon munition ( which doesnt exist AFAIK) 220 rounds at 50 rounds per second is crazy. Are the Pilots going to have a double tap trigger setting. Only half kidding.
A-10 all day with nearly 1200 rounds
With 220 rounds available in the F-35’s gun pod, the pilot has 4.4 second of “trigger time” until the magazine runs empty. This equates to about four short trigger pulls if the pilot is miserly. The F-35A, with its internal cannon, carries even less ammunition—only 182 rounds—equating to about three trigger pulls at best.
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This sounds like a useless weapon on a very expensive and underwhelming aircraft.
With external pods you no longer have stealth. Few rounds of amo. Maybe you could use an A10
The F-35A has an internal gun. The F-35B (S/VTOL) and F-35C (carrier) are getting the external pod.
Bump
Yeah......it does
......before Odungo leaves...the A-10 will disappear.... it’s too deadly.
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