WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — 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 stated in the release on Tuesday.
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.
The Boeing Defense, Space and Security Missile and Unmanned Airborne Systems is a $31 billion business that has approximately 53,000 employees worldwide, according to the company’s website.
Work on the modified contract will be performed at Boeing's St. Louis, Missouri facility, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2017, according to the statement.
