BAE Systems awarded MK 38 work
BAE Systems Land & Armaments will supply the MK 38 MOD 3 Machine Gun System (MGS) to the US Navy under a $19 million contract modification announced on 10 June.
The modification covers the MK 38 MOD 3 25mm MGS ordnance alteration and associated spares.
The alteration to the MK 38 MOD 1 25mm MGS provides an upgrade via the addition of two-axis stabilisation, an improved electro-optical sight system, improved multi-function display, modified main control panel, a new main computing unit, a 7.62mm machine gun and remote control operation.
The resulting MK38 MOD 3 provides an advantage because its surveillance system moves separately from the gun system, preventing adversaries from easily knowing they have been detected. It offers a range of 2.5km and selectable rates of fire from single to 180 rounds per minute, and fires all US Navy-approved 25mm ammunition. With the ability to remotely operate the system from the combat information centre, operators can remain out of harm’s way.
Work is expected to be completed by September 2021
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US shipbuilding struggles to keep pace with China]()
US shipbuilding struggles to keep pace with China
The small production capacity of US shipyards has generated multiple delays in US Navy programmes.
-
![Hanwha gains cybersecurity Type Approval from ABS]()
Hanwha gains cybersecurity Type Approval from ABS
The company is the first based in Asia to achieve certification from the American Bureau of Shipping.
-
![Outgoing US Navy Secretary names a host of vessels among his last actions in the role]()
Outgoing US Navy Secretary names a host of vessels among his last actions in the role
The outgoing US Secretary of the Navy named destroyers, submarines and aircraft carriers during his last weeks in office.
-
![Can retrofitted autonomy support cash-strapped navies?]()
Can retrofitted autonomy support cash-strapped navies?
Autonomous vessels can reduce risk to the lives of naval personnel, but could retrofitting be a faster, cheaper option?
-
![South Korea receives first Batch-III frigate and issues contracts for other vessels]()
South Korea receives first Batch-III frigate and issues contracts for other vessels
South Korea is moving ahead at speed with its frigate programme, involving both domestic heavy-hitting shipbuilders.
