The F-35A cannon, in a video released a few hours ago, was able to almost explode 200 shots in a matter of seconds. This is what is communicated by Lockheed Martin for the last test carried out with the cannon at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
"The Gatling gun from 25 millimeters, installed on the left side of the aircraft in a low observability configuration, has worked well, demonstrating the capabilities of the system that can reach the 3000 shots per minute."
The tests are conducted by a joint team of the Air Force, the Navy and the Marine Corps. If the data collected were to be satisfactory, the flight tests could already begin next fall. Lockheed Martin, according to one last estimate, could enable the cannon by the end of the 2017.
The first phase of experimentation with the F-35 gun started on June 9th. The number of ammunition exploded was progressively increased, up to 181 shots fired on 17 August last. Ground tests were performed using software that replicated the fighter's flight conditions and a final version of the GAU-22. Further supplementary checks will be carried out next year.
The next phase will be to observe the qualitative effects, including the "flashes" emitted by the blast explosion, human factors and flight qualities.
Finally, a comparison with the cannon of the inevitable is inevitable Warthog, system that the F-35 will replace. Despite the technology of the F-35, the A-10 would still represent the first choice in the role of supporting the infantry and why it is easy to understand.
The A-10 was designed for one purpose: to survive. It is heavily armored, with armored plates to protect the vital parts of the aircraft. The pilot is protected by a bulletproof roof and is wrapped in a sort of armored titanium “tank” that weighs about 600 kg. The A-10 has been designed to withstand 23 mm and some 57 mm cannons.
It can fly with a damaged and partially destroyed wing, a single engine, a single rudder, a single wing. It can fly with the damaged hydraulic system, thanks to reserve mechanical controls. Its winged ends bent downwards, increase lift at low speeds. The main wheels of the trolley protrude from the gondolas when it is retracted: a further guarantee of survival even when the trolley cannot be extended.
The "Warthog" was designed around the seven-barreled GAU-8 Avenger cannon, the most powerful airborne tactical weapon on the planet. It is a gatling type cannon from 30 mm with two firing rates: 2100 or 4200 strokes per minute and can be brought to the maximum firing rate in 0,55 seconds. The ammunition tank carries a maximum of 1350 shots. It is capable of destroying a tank at almost 7 km away.
The A-10 has ten sub-wing pylons and is one of the most heavily armed aircraft in the US Air Force. It can carry almost 7 thousand and 500 pounds of weapons. It is powered by two TF34 turbo fans which allow 834 km / h speed and 460 km range.
Despite everything, the Air Force is trying to retire the fleet to save money, but they know from the Pentagon that there is no aircraft that can completely replace the "Warthog".
The F-35A is equipped with a Gatling cannon from 25 mm GAU-22 / A with four rotating rods, carried internally. It is capable of firing three thousand shots per minute, with a range of 180 shots.
Beyond the ability to penetrate ammunition (lower than the Avenger), the standard equipment of the F-35A is less than almost 10 times compared to the A-10.
(photo: LM / US DoD frame)
