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

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