US Navy orders Mk 46 Gun Weapon Systems
The US Navy announced on 5 June 2019 that it had awarded a contract worth $25.5 million to General Dynamics Land Systems for six Mk 46 MOD 2 Gun Weapon Systems (GWS).
These are intended for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Landing Platform Dock (LPD) programmes.
The Mk 46 GWS is a remotely operated turret consisting of a 30mm chain gun (the Mk44 Bushmaster II), a forward looking infrared sensor, a low light television camera, and a laser rangefinder. The gun can fire 200 rounds per minute, using either full-calibre high-explosive or armour-piercing ammunition, and has an effective range of 2km.
Two of the Mk 46 GWS are intended for the LCS Surface Warfare Mission module, and four for the LPD programme, with two being assigned to the LPD-29, and two to the LPD-30.
Work is expected to be complete by September 2021.
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