Boeing's ordnance operation in Mesa, Arizona, has teamed with German gun manufacturer Mauser to propose using an advanced 27mm weapon for the US Department of Defense's Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).
Development of a gun capable of attacking an aircraft head-on within missile minimum launch-range has been proposed for the JSF because of concerns over the weight, cost and effectiveness of the current M61 20mm cannon. The gun would be internally mounted to the left of the pilot, but the US Marine Corps wants a gun pod.
The USAF leadership is expected to define its JSF gun requirement in October. The calibre requirement has yet to be defined, but is expected to be at least 25mm.
The Boeing ordnance unit, formerly part of McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems, plans to offer an advanced 27mm aircraft cannon based on the Mauser BK-27 which was recently selected for the Eurofighter EF2000, which already arms the Panavia Tornado, Saab JAS39 Gripen and the Dassault Dornier Alpha Jet.
As well as meeting USAir Force, navy and marine needs, the JSF is destined for the Royal Navy.
Source: Flight International
