Air Force's GAU 5/a aircrew self defense weapon

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Air Force's GAU 5/a aircrew self defense weapon

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:17:39 PM EDT

http://soldiersystems.net/2018/05/11/us-air-force-small-arms-update/

The GAU-5/A Aircrew Self Defense Weapon was created in response to a requirement from Air Combat Command for a collapsible carbine which could be packed in an ejection seat.

So far, over 3,000 M4 carbines have been shipped to the Air Force Gunsmith Shop for modification which includes installation of a folding pistol grip and a quick barrel connector. Each weapon will be packed with 120 rounds of ammunition.

Air Force Global Strike Command is receiving the first quantities.

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Had not seen or heard of this. Now this would be cool as fuck if they were to release the specs for the quick detach barrel system to the commercial market. Very cool concept

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:27:16 PM EDT

[#1]

Couldn't a 7.5" AR do the same job without needing to be broken down, or at least without needing a fancy break-down system?

With modern ammo 7.5" ARs can be effective PDWs.

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:28:52 PM EDT

[#2]

Quote History

Quoted:
Couldn't a 7.5" AR do the same job without needing to be broken down, or at least without needing a fancy break-down system?

With modern ammo 7.5" ARs can be effective PDWs.

View Quote

From what I understand that won't pack nicely in an ejection seat pack.

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:30:57 PM EDT

[#3]

Hello.

Attached File

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:31:13 PM EDT

[#4]

Now that's what I would call a truck gun.

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:35:09 PM EDT

[#5]

We are putting them in seat kits now. Cool weapon.

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:36:00 PM EDT

[#6]

There are already commercially available quick change/detachable barrel systems for the AR. Dolos makes one. I'm sure there are others.

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:37:39 PM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
Hello.

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/142492/Glock-17-CQB-Carbine-12-545993.JPG

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Pistol caliber? Fuck no.

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:37:46 PM EDT

[#8]

I hope the barrel mounting system gets out to some aftermarket manufacturers. I would love to have something like that.

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:38:46 PM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:
From what I understand that won't pack nicely in an ejection seat pack.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Couldn't a 7.5" AR do the same job without needing to be broken down, or at least without needing a fancy break-down system?

With modern ammo 7.5" ARs can be effective PDWs.

From what I understand that won't pack nicely in an ejection seat pack.

Other than the grip folding (which can still be added), a 7.5" AR broken into upper/lower should have a smaller footprint in every aspect than this weapon. Lighter too.

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:39:07 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
I hope the barrel mounting system gets out to some aftermarket manufacturers. I would love to have something like that.

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There's a couple like that already on the market.

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2016/09/foghorn/gear-review-cry-havoc-qrb-kit/

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/03/25/huntertown-arms-dolos-qd-rail/

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:40:29 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
I hope the barrel mounting system gets out to some aftermarket manufacturers. I would love to have something like that.

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Read my post above. Then google Dolos quick change barrel system.

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:43:01 PM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:

There's a couple like that already on the market.

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2016/09/foghorn/gear-review-cry-havoc-qrb-kit/

http://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/P1210396-768x512_1.jpg

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/03/25/huntertown-arms-dolos-qd-rail/

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/dolos-rail-660x355.jpg

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A $350 upgrade?

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:45:57 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:

Other than the grip folding (which can still be added), a 7.5" AR broken into upper/lower should have a smaller footprint in every aspect than this weapon. Lighter too.

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they had a cut down m4 for a few years now, cut right at the fsb

i guess they decided for all the ejections we had over there in the ME we needed to spend hundred of thousands for a weapon that will never be used.

stupidity

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:46:44 PM EDT

[#14]

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Quoted:
Now that's what I would call a ~~truck~~ BUFF gun.

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FIFY

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:47:45 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
Hello.

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/142492/Glock-17-CQB-Carbine-12-545993.JPG

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I don't think they want to face an ISIS hit squad with a pistol.

Posted: 5/16/2018 5:48:38 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
they had a cut down m4 for a few years now, cut right at the fsb

i guess they decided for all the ejections we had over there in the ME we needed to spend hundred of thousands for a weapon that will never be used.

stupidity

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

Other than the grip folding (which can still be added), a 7.5" AR broken into upper/lower should have a smaller footprint in every aspect than this weapon. Lighter too.

they had a cut down m4 for a few years now, cut right at the fsb

i guess they decided for all the ejections we had over there in the ME we needed to spend hundred of thousands for a weapon that will never be used.

stupidity

You could issue a grenade, widely publicize the fact and see if any Haji's are brave enough to go hands-on to capture a pilot.

Posted: 5/16/2018 6:00:15 PM EDT

[#17]

Oh this again.

Posted: 5/16/2018 6:02:07 PM EDT

[#18]

https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/Airforce-to-adopt-new-GAU-5-A-and-M4-improvements-/5-2109103/

Posted: 5/16/2018 6:17:53 PM EDT

[#19]

Well breaking down an AR into two halves is so hard

Posted: 5/16/2018 7:19:35 PM EDT

[#20]

The idea is to keep the FCG closed up to prevent damage in the seat during an ejection. The packaged gun is pretty small, it nests together well. I was shown the gun today in fact. I did not get my hands on it though. I may go to the AFE shop and check one out tomorrow and will let you know about things like sights and such. They looked like folding Magpuls but I am not sure right now.

Posted: 5/16/2018 7:19:52 PM EDT

[#21]

Double Down...

Posted: 5/16/2018 7:24:50 PM EDT

[#22]

Just go with a Bullpup

Posted: 5/16/2018 7:27:36 PM EDT

[#23]

During the evaluation, Security Forces found that their shooters were accurate within 20 MOA of targets using the current M4 and M68 Close Combat Optic configuration. This measurement was based on the average capability of the shooters and not just the capability of the firearm, optic, and ammunition. With an IMR-Blue configured carbine, that improved to 3.7 MOA.

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Fine shooters.

Posted: 5/16/2018 7:28:07 PM EDT

[#24]

Given the weight and space concerns, for a fixed wing pilot, I'd prefer the new full size m17 with an MRD and a few extra hi caps. If space allowed for something larger I'd take a suppressor packed with that kit over an sbr.

Worst case scenario being one guy behind enemy lines? I'd rather have 4+1 mags, the hands free won't catch on brush small form factor, and the sound/flash suppression.

Posted: 5/16/2018 7:32:05 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
they had a cut down m4 for a few years now, cut right at the fsb

i guess they decided for all the ejections we had over there in the ME we needed to spend hundred of thousands for a weapon that will never be used.

stupidity

View Quote

A few years ago Arfcom first heard about the AF putting M4s into ejection seat survival kits from someone involved in the F-15E program. After that F-15E got shot down over Libya it was decided that something more than a handgun and a 10-shot 22 caliber survival rifle might really be needed for crews flying over the Middle East.

Glad to see the idea being carried out across the entire service. And this article makes some sense out of a similar article a couple of days ago that did not give and details about why and for who in the AF.

I could not imagine why a sky cop would need such a gun. But aircrews yeah.

Posted: 5/16/2018 7:33:39 PM EDT

[#26]

Much is possible if you turn loose a world class gunsmith with no budgetary constraints.

Posted: 5/16/2018 7:36:09 PM EDT

[#27]

You'd think this would be a perfect role for a P90... or MP7...

There are options that have the same form factor as this thing broken down, that DON'T require assembly after just falling out of an airplane, lol.

Posted: 5/16/2018 7:41:57 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
Given the weight and space concerns, for a fixed wing pilot, I'd prefer the new full size m17 with an MRD and a few extra hi caps. If space allowed for something larger I'd take a suppressor packed with that kit over an sbr.

Worst case scenario being one guy behind enemy lines? I'd rather have 4+1 mags, the hands free won't catch on brush small form factor, and the sound/flash suppression.

View Quote

For the survival vest a handgun with extra magazines and a suppressor does make sense especially if the enemy can't see your parachute or where you come down for example if a pilot of was shot down at night.

This weapon is in the seat and ads to the capability of the aircrew to survive, especially in a conflict where capture and being sent to a POW camp is not really what the enemy wants to do with pilots that fall from the sky.

Posted: 5/16/2018 8:21:21 PM EDT

[#29]

https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/Airforce-to-adopt-new-GAU-5-A-and-M4-improvements-/5-2109103/

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Air Force's GAU 5/a aircrew self defense weapon

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