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MK 46 - 30 mm Gun Weapon System

Last updated: 20 Sep 2021

Description
The Mark 46 GWS is a remotely operated naval gun system that uses a 30mm high velocity cannon, a forward looking infrared sensor, a low light television camera, and a laser rangefinder for shipboard self-defense against small, high speed surface targets. The gun can be operated locally at the gun turret or remotely at the remote operating console in the Combat Information Center (LPD-17 & DDG-1000 classes)/Mission Control Center (LCS class).
 
Background
The requirements documents for the DDG-1000, LPD-17 and LCS ship programs included the need for weapons systems capable of defeating small, fast, highly maneuverable surface craft and slow, low flying aircraft. The MK 46 GWS was selected for these purposes. The MK 46 GWS is permanently installed aboard LPD-17 class ships. It is part of the Navy designed and developed Surface Warfare (SuW) mission module for LCS class ships.

The MK 46 Mod 2 GWS incorporates new open architecture, fault isolation software and an embedded trainer(LPD-17 & DDG-1000 classes only). The embedded trainer allows the operator to perform training exercises from the remote console without operating or supplying power to the turret.
 
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Shipboard self-defense against small, high-speed surface craft.
Date Deployed: 2005 (Mark 46 Mod 1)
Range: 4,400 yards - max effective range for full caliber ammunition. Effective range can be extended with sub-caliber munitions. Rate of Fire: 200 rounds/minute. Modes of fire: single round, five-round burst, or fully automatic. Gun may be fired locally at the gun mount or remotely from the Combat Information Center.
Magazine Capacity: 400 rounds (dual feed, 200 per side).
Caliber: The Mark 46 Mod 2 GWS includes the Mk 44 Mod 2 30 mm cannon, a single barrel, open bolt, dual feed, electrically powered, chain driven automatic cannon.
Guidance System: A forward-looking infrared sensor, a low-light television camera, and a laser range finder provides inputs to a closed loop tracking system.
Platforms: Mark 46 Mod 2 - LPD-17 class (2 mounts per ship), DDG-1000 class (2 mounts per ship) and LCS class (2 mounts per ship).

Point of Contact
Naval Sea Systems Command
Office of Corporate Communication

Washington Navy Yard, D.C. 20376

(202) 781-4123

 

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