Air Force lays out specs for its next handgun

Quick Links

Webtools

Click here for Military Times Webtools

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/04/airforce_handgun_request_070419w/
news/2007/04/airforce_handgun_request_070419w

By Seamus O’Connor - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Apr 23, 2007 18:10:14 EDT

The Air Force is asking gun makers for their input on the design of the next handgun for airmen.

The service issued a memo Monday laying out its demands. The service wants a weapon with a baseline caliber of .45, though gun is required to be reconfigurable for multiple bullet sizes. The ideal weapon would have a service life exceeding 25,000 rounds and has a grip that can be tailored for any user, according to the memo.

In addition, the memo set out specifications for an accompanying silencer. The device must be able to reduce discharge noise to 140 decibels at least, weigh no more than 10 ounces and have a service life of 3,000 to 10,000 rounds.

The required monthly production rate is 7,500 handguns, starting six months after the forthcoming contract is awarded, the document said.

The information brought in by the memo will be used to create a request for proposals at a yet unannounced time.

Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff, first introduced the idea of new Air Force handguns at a House Appropriations Committee hearing in February. An unspecified portion of the $7 billion Air Force supplemental budget request is set aside for handgun acquisition.

Discuss

New handgun specs

Digg

Staff Sgt. Bryan Bouchard / Air Force An airman shoots a 9mm Beretta during target practice at a base in Iraq. The Air Force wants a weapon with a baseline caliber of .45, a service life exceeding 25,000 rounds and a grip that can be tailored for any user.

« Previous 1 of 1 Next »