F/A-18 Gun Systems to be produced by General Dynamics

Sept. 4, 2010
CHARLOTTE, N.C., 4 Sept. 2010. The U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in Patuxent River, Md., awarded General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products a $9.8 million contract to produce the M61A2 20mm Gatling gun system for the F/A-18E/F aircraft. Production work will be performed at the General Dynamics facility in Saco, Maine, and the program will be managed at General Dynamics' Burlington Technology Center in Vermont. Work is expected to be completed in September 2012.
Posted by John McHaleCHARLOTTE, N.C., 4 Sept. 2010. The U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in Patuxent River, Md., awarded General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products a $9.8 million contract to produce the M61A2 20mm Gatling gun system for the F/A-18E/F aircraft. Production work will be performed at the General Dynamics facility in Saco, Maine, and the program will be managed at General Dynamics' Burlington Technology Center in Vermont. Work is expected to be completed in September 2012.The M61A2 20mm Gatling gun system is mounted in the nose of the aircraft and can fire a rate of 4,000 or 6,000 shots per minute. The M61A2 is 20 percent lighter than the previous model and operates on a closed-loop rotary, linkless ammunition feed system.General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products provides a broad range of system solutions for military and commercial applications. The company designs, develops, and produces high-performance weapon systems and armament systems, defensive armor, countermeasure systems and aerospace composite solutions, as well as off-road axle and suspension systems. It is also a leading U.S. producer of biological and chemical detection systems. "The M61A2 offers a lightweight, reliable gun system to protect U.S. servicemen and women," says Mike O’Brien, vice president and general manager of gun systems for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products. "Our work force in Maine takes great pride in manufacturing the M61A2 for U.S. warfighters."More information about General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products can be found on the Internet at www.gdatp.com.

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