GAU-12 Equalizer

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GAU-12/U Equalizer
Type	Rotary cannon
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Designer	General Electric
Manufacturer	General Dynamics
Specifications
Mass	GAU-12: 270 pounds (120 kg) without feed system GAU-22: 230 pounds (100 kg) without feed system
Length	83.2 in (2.11 m)
Width	GAU-12: 11.5 inches (290 mm) GAU-22: 11.1–13.3 inches (280–340 mm)
Height	10.2 inches (260 mm)
Cartridge	25 × 137 mm
Caliber	25 mm (0.98 in)
Barrels	GAU-12: 5-barrel GAU-22: 4-barrel (progressive RH parabolic twist, 11 grooves)
Action	Hydraulic, Electric, Pneumatic
Rate of fire	GAU-12: 1,800–4,200 rounds per minute GAU-22: 3,300 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity	(HEI) 3,400 ft/s (1,040 m/s); (API) 3,280 ft/s (1,000 m/s); (APEX) 3,200 ft/s (970 m/s)
Maximum firing range	12,000 feet (3,660 m)
Feed system	Linked or linkless
Sights	Lead Computing Optical Sight System (LCOSS)

The General Dynamics GAU-12/U Equalizer is a five-barrel 25 mm Gatling-type rotary cannon. The GAU-12/U is used by the United States, Italy and Spain, which mount the weapon in their attack jets such as the AV-8B Harrier II, airborne gunships such as the Lockheed AC-130, and land-based fighting vehicles. A lighter four-barrel version, designated GAU-22/A, is mounted on F-35 Lightning II fighter jets.