Rheinmetall Waffe Munition at IMDEX 2005: The family of light naval gun systems grows once more
(Source: Rheinmetall De-Tec; issued May 17, 2005)
The Medium-Calibre product unit of Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH is on the technological cutting edge globally, developing and manufacturing world-class medium-calibre weapon systems and ammunition for ground, air and naval applications. In addition to the MLG 27 light naval gun system, which is currently taking its place as the German Navy's standard medium-calibre gun throughout the entire fleet, Rheinmetall Waffe Munition also offers the MLG 25 in the calibre 25 x 137 mm.
In January 2005 the company started with the development of a new family member in the range of light naval gun systems – the MLG 30/ABM. The MLG 30/ABM light naval gun system is designed to answer the asymmetric threat as the self-defence system for today and tomorrow, for all types of warships and patrol boats against surface-, air- and shore targets.
The high accuracy of the system against asymmetric targets is achieved by the combination of a highly dynamic mount, a precise fire control, and the Mk 44 Bushmaster cannon, combined with the latest air burst munition (ABM) technology. The ABM round will add greatly to the lethality and firepower of the MLG 30/ABM, making it superior to any other system of its kind.
The ABM round is based on NATO-qualified Ahead technology. The projectile contains a programmable fuse, which is with data from the fire control unit via an electronic ignition programmer coil at the muzzle. The impact of the 30 mm x 175 ammunition can be influenced by altering the distance at which the sub-projectiles are released ahead of the target, as well as by varying the number of rounds fired. ABM projectiles are hardened against all electronic countermeasures.
The MLG 30/ABM significantly improves today's ability of ships in dealing with the more complex operational requirements they confront. This is of particular relevance with regard to nation building and peacekeeping operational tasks as well as the ability of self-protection against terrorist attacks.
The MLG 30/ABM design allows integration in all kinds of vessels without need for deck penetration. Being lightweight and small in dimension it proves an unequalled flexibility in installation location. The gun mount is remotely controlled via a gunner control station, it is equipped with day- and night vision sensors enabling automatic target tracking as well as manual control of the MLG 30/ABM.
The MLG 30/ABM is ideally suited in meeting today's needs for ships self defence and protection against:
--Air targets up to 2,500 m
--Surface targets up to 4,000 m
--HSMST up to 2,500 m
--Floating mines up to 1,000 m
--Shore targets and sea policing tasks.
The first MLG 30/ABM system is expected to be ready for land-based demonstration in spring 2006 and will then be shown in life firing to an international audience of interested customers.
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