The versatility of the A-10 Warthog’s legendary GAU-8 Avenger 30mm cannon is undeniable and remains seemingly impossible for the USAF to replace, even after many tries. It can shred through armor from thousands of yards away and engage enemy troops accurately while in extremely close contact with friendly forces. It can also be used surgically to take out sniper positions, small boats or aircraft. Now we learn it can be used as a musical instrument, too.
Check out this airman playing TAPS on the A-10’s 30mm rifled barrels:
Pretty damn impressive to say the least, although it is a little eerie looking. Each of the GAU-8’s seven rifled steel barrels are 86-inches long, weigh 52 pounds, and have firing life of 21,000 rounds. We’re not talking about a light-weight brass trumpet here.
Of course, there is the possibility that the video is a fake and that we’re hearing a real horn instead, but I want to believe.
Regardless, the greatest hit the A-10 ever performed, and ever will perform, is “BRRRRRRRRRT!”
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