Which gun system must be charged twice to ensure the firing chamber is clear?

Which gun system must be charged twice to ensure the firing chamber is clear?

• A. GAU-23
• B. GAU-22
• C. GAU-18
• D. GAU-21

Answer: (C)

The ability to clear a firing chamber and verify the gun is safe rests on understanding how these aircraft guns cycle and how a stoppage can leave a round partially in the chamber. Charging a gun means moving the bolt forward to close the chamber and advance the next round. Some systems can still leave a round in the chamber after the first charge if the cycle was interrupted, so performing a second charge ensures the chamber is fully cleared and the bolt is in the correct position for safe status or maintenance. The GAU-18 is designed in a way that requires this two-charge procedure to guarantee the chamber is completely clear, whereas the other listed gun systems are cleared with a single charge due to their different feed and bolt-cycle designs. This double-check practice helps prevent a misfire or accidental discharge during maintenance and confirms the weapon is safe to handle.

The ability to clear a firing chamber and verify the gun is safe rests on understanding how these aircraft guns cycle and how a stoppage can leave a round partially in the chamber. Charging a gun means moving the bolt forward to close the chamber and advance the next round. Some systems can still leave a round in the chamber after the first charge if the cycle was interrupted, so performing a second charge ensures the chamber is fully cleared and the bolt is in the correct position for safe status or maintenance. The GAU-18 is designed in a way that requires this two-charge procedure to guarantee the chamber is completely clear, whereas the other listed gun systems are cleared with a single charge due to their different feed and bolt-cycle designs. This double-check practice helps prevent a misfire or accidental discharge during maintenance and confirms the weapon is safe to handle.