Leonardo and Nexter, a company of KNDS, have jointly launched a development programme aimed to introduce a new Gun Pod on the M-346 Fighter Attack (FA). The announcement was made at the Paris Airshow.
Dario Marfè – Senior Vice President Commercial, CSS&T & Proprietary Programs Business at Leonardo Aircraft said: “Leonardo is strongly convinced that Nexter is the right partner. Nexter’s 20 mm gun pod integration will boost combat responsiveness of M-346FA in Homeland Defense, COIN, CAS/Close-In Combat missions, thanks to an ITAR free solution suitable for many customers worldwide”.
Philippe Reynes – Head of Weapon Systems and Turrets Programs at Nexter Systems said: We are proud of the relationship of trust we have built up with Leonardo by taking the constraints specific to aerial platforms very seriously. For example, the safety of these platforms is ensured by the fact that our pod recovers all the links and casings after firing. Plus, the NC621 is mechanically harmonised to guarantee maximum precision for the pilot. This system is an example of our expertise as a medium caliber weapon manufacturer.
After a successful feasibility study, which has demonstrated the capability of adding a Link & Case Recovery (LCR) system to the M-346 FA, Leonardo and Nexter, a company of KNDS, have decided to pursue a joint development effort by integrating a new 20mm cannon pod to the M-346FA.
A 20 mm cannon offers an advantageous solution compared to 12.7 / .50 caliber in terms of range, precision and final effects. The 20M621 weapon solution, easy to integrate, operate and maintain, is a NATO caliber ITAR free solution designed for air application. As others weapons and systems developed and produced by Nexter for air domain, it is light and offers effectiveness and performance.
The M-346 FA is a ‘light combat’ version of the M-346 advanced trainer with multi-role capabilities including close air support missions, even in urban areas, battlespace air interdiction for national defence and tactical reconnaissance. The M-346 FA maintains all the features of a trainer aircraft with the addition of new generation equipment and sensors, making it an effective operational solution in the light combat role.
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