A-10/GAU-8 low angle firings versus simulated Soviet tank battalion: (Honeywell lot number OL78DO43-016) (Array 3) 2 February 1979

Abstract

This report describes LAVP firings of the 30mm GAU-8 ammunition manufactured by Honeywell. The firings were conducted on 2 February 1979 utilizing the A-10/GAU-8 weapon system and ammunition from LAVP Lot Number OL78D-43-016. Targets for the firings were 31 US M-47 tanks arranged in a static formation to simulate a Soviet MBT Battalion of three ten (10) tank companies and a battalion commander tank. Also included in the target array were four plywood mock-ups, simulating the tank battalion's ZSU-23/4anti-aircraft defense. Five A-10 pilots conducted firing passes at the formation of M-47 target tanks and ZSU-23/4 mock-ups. Normal A-10 operational tactics for low altitude, low dive angle attacks were followed. This publication contains a description of the firing conditions, A-10 attack parameters, weapons effects derived from the firings, and individual damage assessments for each target tank in the array. The data collected from this test verify the acceptability of the ammunition lot tested, and the effectiveness of the A-10/GAU-8 weapon system as one capable of inflicting catastrophic (K), mobility (M), and firepower (F) kills against modern main battle tanks. (Author)