M61A1 Vulcan cannon for F-16 aircraft being examined by USAF ground personnel. (Photo: USAF)
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) has received an $88.27 million IDIQ sole-source contract from the USAF to provide M61A1 Vulcan 20mm rotary cannon for F-16s, including aircraft operated by unnamed FMS customers.
The DoD announced on 15 December that work will be performed in Williston, Vermont, for completion by 12 December 2031.
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center issued the contract.
The six-barrel M61A1 is the standard cannon armament for US fighter aircraft, featuring a linkless ammunition feed and the ability to fire up to 6,000 rounds per minute of armour-piercing or high-explosive ammunition.
The latest purchase of F-16V combat aircraft comes as the country presses ahead with its long-held plans to modernise its air combat capabilities and invest in the replacement of ageing Russian aircraft.
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AFSOC has revealed a new Block II variant of the OA-1K Skyraider II featuring rapid deployment and reassembly capabilities designed to support expeditionary special operations missions.
The UK MoD said it would narrow down the competitors from four to two later in the year, with those selected going on to develop the prototype drone that will operate as loyal wingman to the British Army’s Apache AH-64E helicopters.
The UH-60M is the latest variant of the UH-60, a workhorse multirole helicopter that continues to attract further orders from across the globe. With further modernisation upgrades underway, the platform is expected to remain in operation until 2050.
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