General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products has been awarded a $7.8 million contract modification from the Naval Air Systems Command for production of more than 20 F/A-18 E/F 20mm gun systems for the Super Hornet fighter aircraft.
The F/A-18 E/F gun system is composed of a lightweight, six-barrel 20mm M61A2 Gatling gun equipped with a closed-loop rotary linkless feed system.
The system has a maximum firing rate of up to 6,000 shots per minute and serves as the aircraft's last line of defense in close-in aerial engagements.
"General Dynamics has successfully produced the weapon system for the F/A-18 for more than 25 years," said Steve Elgin, vice president and general manager of armament systems for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products.
"The M61A2 F/A-18 gun system continues to be relevant, affordable and extremely effective."