Machine Gun Monday – GAU-19 A/B

ByJerry House

The Gecal 50 is a .50cal Gatling Gun Adopted by Many Militaries.

History:

The GECAL 50 was first manufactured by General Electric, then by Lockheed Martin, and now by General Dynamics. Design work began in 1982. Early prototypes had six barrels, but a three-barreled configuration is now standard. The GAU-19/A was originally designed as a larger, more potent version of the M134 Minigun.

Due to the loss of nine helicopters in Grenada GE started building prototypes of the weapon in both a three-barreled and a six-barreled configuration. The six-barreled version was designed to fire 4,000 rpm, and could be adapted to fire up to 8,000 rpm. The GAU-19 takes 0.4 seconds to reach maximum firing rate. Soon it was recommended as a potential armament for the V-22 Osprey. The magazine would be located underneath the cabin floor and could be reloaded in-flight. However, plans to mount the gun were later dropped. In 2005, the GAU-19/A was approved to be mounted on the OH-58D Kiowa helicopter. It also could have been used on the Army’s now cancelled ARH-70. In January 2012, the U.S. Army ordered 24 GAU-19/B versions for use on helicopters. All were delivered by the next month.

Specifications:

  • Weight: With feeder and transfer unit:139 lbs.
  • Length: 53.9 in.(
  • Barrel length: 36 in.
  • Width: 13.5 in
  • Height: 15 in.
  • Cartridge: .50 BMG
  • Barrels: 3
  • Action: Electric
  • Rate of fire: 1,000 or 2,000 rounds per minute
  • Muzzle velocity: 2,910 fps
  • Effective firing range: 1,800 m
  • Maximum firing range: 6,000 m
  • Feed system: linkless or M9 linked belt

    • Source

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    the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

    Jerry House
    Written by Jerry House

    Jerry House

    Jerry has been a criminal justice professional for nearly two decades. He is a US Navy Veteran, self-proclaimed Second Amendment scholar, gun rights advocate, and NRA Life Member.

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