Rheinmetall is to equip Gripen NG fighter aircraft with the BK27 automatic cannon featuring a new linkless ammunition feeding system, under a contract announced by the company on 1 March.
The contract, awarded to Rheinmetall by Saab, will see 88 Gripen aircraft for Brazil and Sweden equipped with the Mauser 27mm revolver cannon.
Delivery will take place during the 2017-2025 timeframe, and Rheinmetall will provide service support and spare parts.
The linked ammunition-feeding version of the gas operated revolver cannon serves as the standard weapon in the multi-role Tornado, while the Eurofighter features the linkless version. Some 3,500 systems have been manufactured to date, and Rheinmetall also offers the accompanying ammunition for the weapon system.
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