In May 2019, we have informed you about a new weapon that was supposed to be in the hands of USAF aircraft crews - the GAU-5/A Aircrew Self Defense Weapon (ASDW) carbine.
As we have found out, the US Air Force Gunsmith Shop, the cell responsible for supplying new weapons, has just completed this procedure.
Unlike the standard M4, the GAU-5/A is equipped with a quick barrel mounting mechanism made by Cry Havoc Tactical, and a handguard with the M-lok system. The folding pistol grip is also noteworthy.
All these modifications allow to fit a carbine in the standard survival kit which every pilot is is equipped with. The carbine can ready to fire in about 60 seconds without using any specialized gunsmith tools. The ASDW shares its other features with the standard M4, i.e. it is equipped with a 14.5-inch barrel and is feed from standard STANAG magazines.
The new carbine weighs less than seven pounds (3.2 kg) and is stored with four loaded magazines. From February 2018 to January 2020, the US Air Force Gunsmith Shop assembled 2,700 ASDW rifles, which, as we have already mentioned, have just been delivered to flight crews.
The a look at a video at the MAC channel to learn about this design:
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According to the Small Arms program office, the design and assembly of new rifles cost $ 2.6 million.
