Rapid Fire 2010-04-02: Countering DF-21 Missiles

• Boeing, group of US senators, criticize Pentagon’s decision to consider granting 60-day extension on KC-X aerial tanker RFP.

• UK Defence Industry association A|D|S publishes a manifesto.

• A regional response to China’s DF-21 ship-killing ballistic missiles?

SLAP Happy: Olin Gets $43.4M Order for “Ma Deuce” Ammo

“Ma Deuce”

Olin Corp.’s Winchester Division in East Alton, IL received $43.4 million indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity with firm-fixed-price orders for .50 calibre M903 saboted light armor penetrator (SLAP) and M962 saboted light armor penetrator tracer (SLAPT) bulk and the 4 ball (M903) to 1 tracer (M962) configuration.

The .50 caliber SLAP ammunition was developed by the US military during the mid/late 1980s for the M2 heavy machine gun, known as “Ma Deuce.” It uses a reduced caliber, heavy metal (tungsten) .30 inch diameter penetrator wrapped in a plastic sabot or “shoe” of .50 inch diameter.