Description
30mm Linked Tube Carrier (LTC) Ammunition Carrier Tube — A-10 Thunderbolt II / GAU-8/A Avenger
Item Overview
This 30mm ammunition carrier tube is an individual component of the Linked Tube Carrier (LTC) system used to support the A-10 Thunderbolt II’s GAU-8/A Avenger cannon. Its molded plastic design connects protective ammunition packaging with the ground machinery used to prepare and reload the aircraft.
Identification and Features
The light-colored, translucent body follows the older white LTC carrier pattern. Its exterior features identify it as a purpose-built component for ammunition storage and mechanical handling.
- Designed to hold one 30×173mm cartridge.
- Molded ribs along the plastic body.
- Rectangular openings.
- Narrow flanged end.
Function
Each tube holds and protects a cartridge during storage, transport, and mechanical handling. In the complete LTC system, flexible bands connect neighboring tubes into a belt that can be packed into ammunition containers. During aircraft loading, the equipment separates the cartridge from its carrier and transfers the ammunition into the aircraft’s system. The carrier tube remains with the ground-handling equipment.
Documented End-Item Application
The documented aircraft application is ammunition handling for the A-10 Thunderbolt II and its GAU-8/A 30mm cannon. Official Air Force photographs identify linked tube carriers in the GFU-7/E “Dragon” processing chain. These records connect the LTC system with the munitions preparation and ground-loading equipment supporting A-10 operations.
Product History
The linked-tube concept is documented in U.S. Patent No. 4,137,821, Article Handling Belt, issued on February 6, 1979. The patent describes protective tubular sleeves connected by flexible webs so they can travel together while keeping a regular spacing. This approach combined individual cartridge protection with a flexible conveyor arrangement, joining packaging and ammunition handling in one system.
Parent-Equipment History
Ground-loading development addressed the difficulty of moving large numbers of heavy cartridges between containers and an aircraft. U.S. Patent No. 4,137,820, Ammunition Handling and Loading System, issued in 1979, specifically describes a 30mm GAU-8/A application. It documents mechanical ammunition transfer and the return of expended cases to ground containers, linking rearming with recovery and further processing.
Weapon-System Background
Developed by General Electric during the early 1970s, the GAU-8/A Avenger is a seven-barrel, 30mm rotary cannon built into the A-10. The aircraft was designed for close air support of ground forces. Flight testing of the cannon in the A-10 began on February 26, 1974. The gun’s ammunition requirements made efficient ground handling an important part of supporting the aircraft.
History of Use
Official Air Force captions record LTCs in a GFU-7 rail system during ammunition processing at Moody Air Force Base on July 11, 2018. A December 2019 report from Davis-Monthan described the GFU-7/E Dragon separating expended cases from unused rounds and returning usable ammunition to the flight line for training. These records show the carriers’ place in repeated ammunition preparation and resupply work.
Condition
Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
A useful companion to an inert 30×173mm cartridge display, this tube adds the packaging and handling side of the GAU-8/A story. It also fits exhibits about munitions crews and the ground equipment needed to support military aircraft.
- A-10 Thunderbolt II and GAU-8/A Avenger collections.
- Inert 30mm ammunition and packaging displays.
- Military aviation ground-support exhibits.
- Museums and ammunition-technology teaching collections.
Approx length 11", Approx width 2", Approx height 2", Approx weight 0.1lbs.
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