NEWTOWN, Conn. - Rheinmetall's Bordkanone 27 remains in serial production, primarily to support ongoing JAS 39 and Eurofighter Typhoon requirements. In addition, some production activity supports the attrition, refurbishment and spares needs of existing operators.
The Eurofighter Typhoon came in as a "white knight" for the Bordkanone 27 program, following setbacks in competitions in the United States and the United Kingdom.
While a serious blow, the loss of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter contract in November 2002 was not fatal for the Bordkanone 27 program. Further, while the British Eurofighter Typhoons (after the initial 55) forgo any cannon armament, the overall Eurofighter Typhoon program will require more than 400 Bordkanone 27 cannon.
Although some of the Eurofighter Typhoons will mount refurbished cannon, the overall program will clearly prove quite lucrative for the Bordkanone 27 production line. In addition, the Eurofighter Typhoon program may lead to at least some further sales of the podded version of the Bordkanone 27 for other aircraft applications.
As full-rate production for the Eurofighter Typhoon is ramping up at the same time that production for the JAS 39 reaches completion, we expect a seamless transition between programs.
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