The GAU-8/A is accurate in excess of what altitude, with armor-piercing effective within what altitude?

The GAU-8/A is accurate in excess of what altitude, with armor-piercing effective within what altitude?

• A. Accurate in excess of 18,000' alt (armor piercing within 5,000' alt)
• B. Accurate in excess of 25,000' alt (armor piercing within 10,000' alt)
• C. Accurate in excess of 12,000' alt (armor piercing within 2,000' alt)
• D. Accurate in excess of 22,000' alt (armor piercing within 7,000' alt)

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is the GAU-8/A’s declared performance envelopes: it can deliver accurate fire from very high altitudes, and the armor-piercing capability remains reliable only within a relatively close vertical distance to the target. In practice, the data say you can expect accuracy when the aircraft is above about 18,000 feet, while armor-piercing effectiveness is maintained within roughly 5,000 feet of altitude. That combination—accuracy beyond 18,000 feet with armor-piercing effectiveness within about 5,000 feet—is the one that matches the weapon’s published performance, which is why it’s the best choice. The other number pairings don’t align with that documented envelope.

The key idea here is the GAU-8/A’s declared performance envelopes: it can deliver accurate fire from very high altitudes, and the armor-piercing capability remains reliable only within a relatively close vertical distance to the target. In practice, the data say you can expect accuracy when the aircraft is above about 18,000 feet, while armor-piercing effectiveness is maintained within roughly 5,000 feet of altitude. That combination—accuracy beyond 18,000 feet with armor-piercing effectiveness within about 5,000 feet—is the one that matches the weapon’s published performance, which is why it’s the best choice. The other number pairings don’t align with that documented envelope.