The F-35A is armed with a GAU-22/A, a four-barrel version of the 25 mm GAU-12 Equalizer cannon. The cannon is mounted internally with 182 rounds for the F-35A or in an external pod with 220 rounds for the F-35B and F-35C; the gun pod has stealth features. The F-35 has two internal weapons bays, and external hardpoints for mounting up to four underwing pylons and two near wingtip pylons. Continue reading to see it firing for the first time in public view.
“The choice of a 25mm cannon is a departure from America’s traditional use of the 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon in its fighters dating back to the F-104 Starfighter. The 25mm round hits much harder than the 20mm round, but it also fires at a slower rate (about half as slow at 3,000 rounds per minute) and because the 25mm round is larger, less rounds can be carried in a set volume,” reports Gizmodo.
