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
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
-
US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.