Boeing Wins Tail Kit Contract From USAF For Nuclear Gravity Bombs

Boeing has won a $11.8 million contract from the US Air Force to manufacture tail kit assemblies for B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs.

The B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb is believed to feature improved strike capability, including increased accuracy and combined strategic and tactical capabilities.

BDS will provide additional test assets, materials and hardware to enable the demonstration of the reliability of the B61-12 tail kit assembly, Boeing announced today.

The B61 is a variable yield device, blurring the lines between so-called tactical and strategic nuclear weapons. The power of the weapon can be adjusted for use as a small-scale battlefield nuclear bomb, or set to detonate at over 300 megatons.

Work is expected to be completed by July 31, 2017.