Which weapon features six revolving barrels, is externally mounted, fires 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and is not a standalone weapon system?

Which weapon features six revolving barrels, is externally mounted, fires 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and is not a standalone weapon system?

• A. GAU-18A
• B. GAU-21
• C. GAU-2/c
• D. M60

Answer: (C)

The key idea is recognizing a six-barrel rotary Gatling-style weapon that is designed to be mounted on a platform rather than carried by a soldier. A six-barrel minigun like the GAU-2/c uses rotating barrels to achieve very high rates of fire while sharing heat across the barrels. It’s built to be externally mounted on aircraft or vehicles and is driven by a separate power and feed system, so it isn’t a standalone weapon system by itself. It also fires 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition, which matches the round used by this gun. The other options don’t fit the same profile: they are either different calibers (such as heavier 12.7mm/0.50 cal) or are not six-barrel rotary guns, or are standalone infantry-type weapons rather than aircraft-mounted Gatling systems.

The key idea is recognizing a six-barrel rotary Gatling-style weapon that is designed to be mounted on a platform rather than carried by a soldier. A six-barrel minigun like the GAU-2/c uses rotating barrels to achieve very high rates of fire while sharing heat across the barrels. It’s built to be externally mounted on aircraft or vehicles and is driven by a separate power and feed system, so it isn’t a standalone weapon system by itself. It also fires 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition, which matches the round used by this gun.

The other options don’t fit the same profile: they are either different calibers (such as heavier 12.7mm/0.50 cal) or are not six-barrel rotary guns, or are standalone infantry-type weapons rather than aircraft-mounted Gatling systems.