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U.S. Air Force orders more bomb fuzes

Bomb fuzes that can be programed aboard an aircraft in flight will continue to be produced for the U.S. Air Force under exercise of a contract option by the U.S. Air Force.

By Richard Tomkins
General purpose bombs dropped by a B-2 bomber. (USAF photo)
General purpose bombs dropped by a B-2 bomber. (USAF photo)

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., July 17 (UPI) -- Joint programmable fuzes (cq) for bombs used by the U.S. Air Force will continue to be produced by the Kaman Corporation.

The fuzes allow a bomb's settings to be programmed while on an aircraft in flight.

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The JPF is used with general purpose bombs, and guided bombs that use JDAM or Paveway kits, on U.S. aircraft such as F-15, F-16, F-22, A-10, B-1, B-2, B-52 and the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle.

"This order further solidifies the outlook for our largest single program with a backlog of $117 million that extends into 2016," said Kaman Aerospace Group President Greg Steiner. "The order demonstrates the USAF's continued fuzing requirements and commitment to the program."

The order is worth $8.5 million and is the eleventh option exercise of an earlier contract. With the new order, that contract now has achieved a value of about $50.4 million.

Kaman said units to be produced under the extension will be delivered next year and in 2016.

In addition to the United States, 26 other countries utilize Kaman's fuzes.

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