Tactical Aviation Fixed Wing

Watch the effects of an A-10’s GAU-8 cannon on an enemy building

What happens when U.S. troops in Afghanistan take fire from Taliban fighters, fortified inside a building? It's pretty simple. Call in the Warthogs to bring on the BRRRRRT. <p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmous…
Blake Stilwell Avatar

The highly maneuverable A-10 Thunderbolt II, like this one, can employ massive firepower to protect coalition troops on the ground supporting Operation enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Kenny Kennemer)

What happens when U.S. troops in Afghanistan take fire from Taliban fighters, fortified inside a building?


It’s pretty simple. Call in the Warthogs to bring on the BRRRRRT.

The BRRRRRT comes from the A-10’s GAU-8 Avenger cannon. The Avenger fires beer-bottle-sized 30 mm chunks of aluminum alloy at 3,342 feet per second.

More than one re-upload on the internet says the attack is from a Pakistani F-16, but the distinctive BRRRRRT from the GAU-8 is an unmistakeable sound.

So whatever this building is made of – concrete, cinderblocks, who knows – didn’t stand a chance. It’s no wonder everyone who calls in close air support and gets an A-10 gun run has the same reaction to the jaw-dropping power of the GAU.


Feature image: U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Kenny Kennemer