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MK 38 - 25 mm Machine Gun System

Last updated: 20 Sep 2021

Description
The MK 38 is a 25 mm machine gun system (MGS) installed for ship self-defense to counter Fast Attack Crafts and Fast Inshore Attack Crafts.
 
Background
The MK 38 MOD 0 25 mm MGS replaced the MK 16 20 mm gun system and was then upgraded to a MK 38 MOD 1 MGS. A total of 387 MK 38 MOD 1 MGSs were procured and deployed in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. In 2003, the CNO directed the Navy to pursue a simple, stabilized, remote controlled, low cost solution for outfitting near-term deployers to counter small boat threats. In response, the Navy began fielding the MK 38 MOD 2 MGS in 2005. Due to the success of the MK 38 MOD 2 MGS, the program scope was expanded in July 2012 to add several ship classes and to develop a modification to the system. This modification is known as the MK 38 MOD 3 MGS, which is a technical refresh of the MK 38 MOD 2 MGS. The first MK 38 MOD 3 MGS is to be fielded in FY17. As of 2018, 341 MK 38 MOD 2 and MOD 3 systems have been delivered. The total number of systems within the Program of Record is 501.

Installed aboard CG, CVN, DDG, LSD, LHD, LHA, LCC, MK VI, PC, OSV, AS and USCG FRC class ships and planned for installation aboard USCG OPC and WMEC class cutters, the MK 38 MGS is a low cost, stabilized self-defense weapon system that dramatically improves ships' self-defense capabilities.

 
General Characteristics
Primary Function: 25 mm single barrel, air cooled, semi- and full-automatic, remotely and manually trained and elevated main machine gun system.
Optional Secondary Function:7.62mm single-barrel, air-cooled, automatic, remotely trained and elevated coaxial machine gun system.
Contractor: Contractor MOD 2/3: BAE Systems Minneapolis, Minnesota; Rafael, Haifa, Israel.
Date Deployed: 2005; 341 systems installed as of December 2018.
Range: 2500 yards (effective range)
Type Fire: 25 mm: Single shot or Burst Mode; Maximum 180 rounds per minute automatic. 7.62 mm: 500 rounds per minute automatic.
Caliber: 25 mm (1 inch).
Guidance System: Mod 2/3: Stabilized, remotely operated, electro-optical sensor, fire control system, and auto-tracking.
Platforms: The MK 38 MGS is intended for installation and operation on board the U.S. Navy AS, CG, CVN, DDG, LCC, LHA, LHD, LPD, LSD, OSV, PC class ships, MK VI Patrol Boats, and U.S. Coast Guard FRC, OPC, and WMEC 270' class ships.

Point of Contact
Naval Sea Systems Command
Office of Corporate Communication

Washington, D.C. 20376

(202) 781-4123

 

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