How Much Does a 30mm GAU-8 Round Cost?

The GAU-8 Avenger is a formidable 30mm hydraulically-driven, seven-barrel Gatling-type cannon, primarily used on the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The cost of a 30mm GAU-8 round can vary significantly based on factors such as the specific type of ammunition, the manufacturer, and the quantity being purchased. However, given the nature of this ammunition, the information regarding its pricing is often confidential, designed to maintain security and confidentiality.

Availability and Target Audience

Given that the GAU-8 is a military-grade weapon, it is not typically available on the civilian market. The 30mm rounds used by the GAU-8 are cannon rounds, not rifle ammunition. In fact, it is not physically possible for a human to lift a GAU-8 cannon, let alone fire it. If a person were to lay behind a loose cannon and "fired" it, the recoil would almost certainly be deadly or at the very least incredibly disabling. For these reasons, the civilian market lacks such ammunition, and the rounds are certainly not something that can be casually purchased or even found in gift form upon retirement from a military service.

Pricing Details

For military applications, the cost of 30mm GAU-8 ammunition can range widely. For instance, a single High Explosive Incendiary round (PGU-13/B) can cost around $600. On the other hand, Armor Piercing Depleted Uranium (API DU) rounds (PGU-14/B) used by the GAU-8 are priced at $136.70 each. These figures reflect the specialized and highly refined nature of the ammunition, given that each round is designed for specific purposes and must be sourced from authorized military suppliers.

Specialized Rounds of the GAU-8

The GAU-8 Avenger is equipped with several types of ammunition to meet differing tactical needs. The rounds include:

PGU-14/B API DU (Armor Piercing Depleted Uranium): These rounds are used for penetrating armor and are highly effective against heavily armored targets. They are priced at $136.70 per round.PGU-13/B HEI (High Explosive Incendiary): These rounds are designed to cause multiple fires and are particularly effective against soft targets. The cost is $600 per round.PGU-15/B TP (Target Practice): These are inert rounds used for training purposes and are much cheaper, allowing for a higher volume of practice shots to be fired.

Cost Analysis of An A-10 Carrier

An A-10 Thunderbolt II carries approximately 1200 rounds of ammunition. With each round of PGU-14/B costing $136.70, the total cost for a full loadout can be calculated as:

Total Ammunition Cost: 1200 rounds * $136.70 per round $164,040.

This substantial cost underscores the importance of precise and efficient ammo usage in combat situations. Each round fired by the GAU-8 requires careful consideration, given the significant expenditure involved.

Conclusion

For individuals interested in the cost of 30mm GAU-8 rounds, it is advisable to contact the relevant military or defense agencies, manufacturers, or suppliers. Due to the sensitive nature of this information, official channels are the most reliable and legally permissible means to obtain accurate pricing details. The affordability and availability of these ammunition types emphasize the critical role that the GAU-8 Avenger plays in air-to-ground combat scenarios.