By Matthew Moss, overtdefense.com | Texas-based lightweight composite ammunition manufacturer True Velocity has announced a strategic partnership with Dillon Aero to support Dillon Aero’s current and future weapons systems with superior composite-cased ammunition. Dillon Aero hope to True Velocity’s hybrid polymer/steel composite ammunition will give them the edge in offering their 7.62x51mm M134D minigun, giving a potentially larger ammunition capacity for the same weight.

Here’s True Velocity’s press release in full:

“Following a lengthy period of rigorous safety and functionality testing from ground and aerial platforms, the two companies have agreed to a strategic partnership aimed at providing the U.S. military’s rotary wing and ground units with a firepower solution that is far more effective and reliable than any other small-caliber solution available.

“We’re very proud of the work that went into forging this relationship with Dillon Aero,” said True Velocity President Chris Tedford. “This alliance represents a combination of Dillon’s unsurpassed rate of machine gun fire with True Velocity’s revolutionary case design, reduced cartridge weight and unmatched reliability. This is the alignment of two very innovative companies, based solely on the goal of better equipping our fighting forces.”

True Velocity’s composite-cased ammunition will support Dillon Aero’s M134D minigun, which is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. The M134D is capable of a rate of fire in excess of 3,000 rounds per minute. Since its establishment, Dillon Aero has fielded more than 6,000 M134D weapons systems in 30 countries.

The developmental partnership will also extend to Dillon Aero’s forthcoming M503D .50-caliber machine gun, which the company expects to field before the end of 2019. Designed for employment by air, land and sea, the new gun will have three barrels and shoot 1,500 rounds per minute. It will be lighter, faster and smarter than existing .50-caliber machine guns.

“Dillon Aero is excited about partnering with True Velocity,” said Dillon’s Nick Perfetto, vice president of business affairs. “Their advanced technology and weight reduction bring an advanced level of capability to today’s warfighter. The combination of True Velocity’s ammunition and the Dillon M134D on the battlefield is a game changer!””