Definition

Attack passes by aircraft firing guns, rockets, or missiles at ground targets. The aerial equivalent of a drive-by shooting, but legal and with explosives.

Example Usage

The A-10 made three gun runs on the enemy position, effectively ending the firefight.

Origin

Air combat terminology from World War II forward

Fun Fact

The A-10 Warthog's GAU-8 Avenger cannon fires so powerfully that it produces more recoil than the thrust of one of its engines.

Source: Air support and close air support terminology

Related Terms

Intermediate

non-permissive environment

An operational area where hostile forces have control or significant capability to threaten friendly operations. Where every day is bring-your-armor-plate-to-work day.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Beginner

battle rattle

The complete combat gear a soldier wears, which makes an unmistakable rattling, clanking noise when walking. It's essentially turning yourself into a heavily armed Christmas tree that jingles with lethality instead of joy.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Intermediate

munition

Military-speak for the complete explosive packages—bombs, rockets, and missiles—that make things go boom, as opposed to the guns that launch smaller booms. In NATO parlance, it's the finished product sitting in the arsenal, ready to ruin someone's day. Think of it as the difference between the bullet and the gun: munitions are the part that actually explodes.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Advanced

retrograde

Movement or progression backward, which in military terms means strategic withdrawal and in everyday terms means things are getting worse. In astronomy, describes planets appearing to move backward in the sky, which astrology enthusiasts blame for everything. Generally indicates reversal, regression, or the tactical retreat your manager calls 'pivoting.'

🎖️ Military / Defense
Beginner

Deployment

Sending military personnel to a specific location for a mission. It is like a mandatory business trip except the hotel has no pool, no minibar, and people might be shooting at you. Frequent flyer miles not included.

🎖️ Military / Defense
Beginner

gun run

An attack pass by an aircraft using its cannons or machine guns rather than missiles or bombs, because sometimes pilots prefer the satisfaction of personal delivery. It's strafing with style.

🎖️ Military / Defense

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