The Air Force announced Wednesday that the Gunsmith Shop has completed delivery of a new rifle -- known as the Air Crew Self Defense Weapon, or GAU-5A -- for aircrew in most ejection seat aircraft.

The 7-pound, 5.56 mm caliber rifle is based on the M4 carbine and designed to provide a downed aircrew with additional firepower while they wait for rescue, the Air Force said.

About 2,700 rifles were delivered to aircrew members between February 2018 and January 2020.

According to the Small Arms Program Office, the new weapons program cost $2.6 million.

"We were asked to design a stand-off weapon that was capable of hitting a man-size target at 200 meters," said Richard Shelton, Gunsmith Shop chief. "It disconnects at the upper receiver, is located inside the seat kit -- ACES II ejection seats -- and can be put together within 30 seconds if needed."

The Gunsmith Shop is comprised of civilian and military employees who are certified gunsmiths, machinists and skilled small-arms repair workers.

Related Links
The latest in Military Technology for the 21st century at SpaceWar.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

WWI helmets protect against shock waves just as well as modern designs
Durham NC (SPX) Feb 17, 2020
Biomedical engineers from Duke University have demonstrated that, despite significant advancements in protection from ballistics and blunt impacts, modern military helmets are no better at protecting the brain from shock waves created by nearby blasts than their World War I counterparts. And one model in particular, the French Adrian helmet, actually performed better than modern designs in protecting from overhead blasts. The research could help improve the blast protection of future helmets throu ... read more