For many decades, the US Air Force pilot's wearable emergency supply (NAZ) has been equipped with one or another firearm. Not so long ago, a new "survival rifle" GAU-5 / A was adopted. In the shortest possible time, a significant number of such products were manufactured, and they have already managed to take their place in NAZ.
New sample
In mid-2018, the US Air Force disclosed data on the Aircrew Self Defense Weapon program, and also showed its result - a promising GAU-5 / A rifle. This product was intended for transportation in NAZ containers, which is why it was distinguished by its low weight and the ability to be disassembled into component parts for optimal packing.
By that time, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) had already completed the development and serial production of new weapons. The production was entrusted to gunsmiths from the USAF Gunsmith Shop, based in Lackland, Texas. According to the plans for 2018, the air force needed 2,137 new type of rifles.
GAU-5 / A rifles began service last spring. The first operator of such weapons was the 3rd Wing of the Air Force, located at Elmensdorf-Richardson (Alaska). First of all, the rifles were intended for F-22 fighter pilots. Then ASDW deliveries to other parts were reported.
A few days ago, on February 14, AFLCMC summed up the results of the ASDW project. In about two years, 2,700 GAU-5 / A rifles were manufactured - almost 600 more than previously planned. The total cost of the weapon has reached $ 2, 6 million. This completes the production. The needs of the Air Force are fully met, and new "survival rifles" are not required yet.
It should be noted that this is not the first time the GAU-5 / A designation is used. In the past, this was the name of a modification of the CAR-15 Commando carbine, created for the US Air Force. It was later renamed GUU-5 / A. The "freed" index was used several decades later in the current project.
The goal is compactness
As part of the ASDW program, the customer demanded to create a rifle chambered for 5, 56x45 mm, suitable for combat at distances up to 200 m. At the same time, it was necessary to ensure the possibility of placing weapons in the NAZ container for the ACES II ejection seat. If necessary, it was allowed to make the rifle collapsible - in this case, the assembly before use should have taken no more than 60 seconds.
AFLCMC solved the assigned tasks in the simplest way. The existing M4 rifle was taken as the basis for the future GAU-5 / A. The original design was modified using several components available on the market.
The top receiver, barrel and forend are all made with Cry Havoc Tactical Quick Release Barrel (QBR) connectors. QBR allows you to remove the barrel with the forend and put it in a container separately from other parts, reducing the required space. The QBR system is based on two washers (on the box and on the barrel) with side locks that firmly hold the barrel and receiver together. Removing or installing the barrel takes about 60 seconds. The use of QBR does not affect the performance of the gas venting system and automation in general.
The stock fixed pistol grip is being replaced by the AGF-43S Folding Pistol Grip from FAB Defense. In the transport position, the handle is folded back and stowed under the butt, which reduces the height of the weapon, and also optimizes its contours for a tighter stowage.
The upper edge of the forend and the receiver are equipped with standard strips. On the GAU-5 / A, they are used to mount a detachable front sight and sight. In order to reduce the size, folding sights were used. Installation of other systems is not provided due to limitations in size, weight and firing range.
The rest of the "survival rifle" GAU-5 / A is no different from the standard M4. The latter borrows the lower receiver, complemented by the upper unified design. The bolt group and the means of ammunition also do not differ from the serial ones. The firing mechanism received a firing mode with a cut-off of 3 shots - to save ammunition.
The collapsible architecture of the weapon made it possible to fulfill the main requirement of the customer. The GAU-5 / A rifle meets the requirements for fire performance, but at the same time it can easily fit into a container of limited dimensions. In the case of the modern NAZ for ACES II seats, we are talking about a space of 16 x 14 x 3.5 inches (406 x 355 x 89 mm). The total weight of the NAZ is 40 pounds (18 kg). The rifle weighs less than 7 pounds (3.1 kg).
In a recent publication, AFLCMC showed how the disassembled rifle fits into the NAZ. The main part of the weapon is located at the top of the container. The stock, grip and sight are folded. Such an aggregate occupies the entire width of the container. Next to it are two pairs of standard magazines with 120 rounds of ammunition. In the remaining space, the barrel with the forend and other components of the NAZ are located.
Along with the rifle, the container contains other means of survival. This is a compact first aid kit, various equipment, communication equipment, pyrotechnics, tools, etc. With the help of such a kit, the pilot can ensure his safety, organize shelter and find food while waiting for rescuers.
Rifle carriers
Already in 2018, the Air Force announced tentative plans for the deployment and use of new weapons. More than 2,100 "survival rifles" were supposed to be included in the NAZ for tactical and long-range aviation pilots. All the main aircraft of the US Air Force were to be "carriers" of such weapons.
GAU-5 / A was created taking into account the limitations of the NAZ container from the ACES II seat. Such products are used on A-10 attack aircraft, F-15, F-16 and F-22 fighters, as well as on B-1B and B-2 bombers. There are about 1800 aircraft of these types in service. It was also clarified that the new rifles will be included in the NAZ aircraft of other types with ejection seats of other models. In particular, such weapons were intended for the crews of the B-52 bombers.
Attention should be paid to the fact that the original plans for the purchase of weapons have been expanded. The year before last, there was talk of the need for more than 2100 rifles, but in the end, 2700 were manufactured. The reasons for this are unclear. Perhaps we are talking about the need to arm the crews of Air Force aircraft that are not related to combat aviation. Also, the desire to create larger warehouse stocks cannot be ruled out.
New opportunities
The purchase of "survival rifles" is not as visible as the acquisition of new aircraft of the latest generation, but it is also of great importance for the Air Force. In case of known unpleasant situations, the pilot should have a personal weapon for self-defense or hunting. Such a sample has specific requirements, the fulfillment of which can be quite difficult.
The GAU-5 / A rifle adopted by the US Air Force corresponds to the standard army M4 in terms of its combat qualities. Thus, the pilot in an emergency situation is a modern and very effective small arms with sufficient ammunition. In this case, the rifle is disassembled and placed in the NAZ container and is present next to the pilot.
In fact, the GAU-5 / A is the first survival weapon with such a combination of characteristics. Previous systems in service with the US Air Force either had insufficient firepower or were not very convenient for transportation. Moreover, in recent years, NAZ has not included weapons at all.
Now the situation has changed. The new model was adopted, put into series and brought to operation. The pilots had at their disposal modern and effective weapons for solving various tasks in difficult situations. The US Air Force pilots are mastering the new GAU-5 / A rifle and so far use it only at shooting ranges. And, probably, they sincerely wish that she did not have to be tested in a real battle.
