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Naval
Forces News - Australia |
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Royal Australian Navy LHD HMAS Canberra received its four Typhoon RWS |
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Another exciting project milestone for NUSHIP Canberra has been achieved
with the installation of four Typhoon stabilised weapons systems onboard.
For weapon enthusiasts, this advanced weapons system includes a 25 mm
M242 Bushmaster chain gun and a coaxially mounted M240 7.62mm machine
gun. For those not so conversant with weapons systems, the Typhoon is
a large gun with a rapid rate of fire.
Canberra’s Gunnery Officer, Lieutenant Adam Simeoni, helped to
explain the size and scale of the weapon. |
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File Image:
HMAS Glenelg conducts a Typhoon 25mm anti-aircraft firing serial right
astern of HMAS Bundaberg in 2010. Picture: Royal Australian Navy |
“The typhoon is smaller
than the main gun you see on a Guided Missile Frigate, but it has a
much higher rate of fire. While higher rates of fire are usually associated
with small ‘person-operated’ automatic machine guns, the
Typhoon has a much larger round,” said Lieutenant Simeoni.
“Basically, this means the Typhoon has a high rate of fire and
decent sized rounds. This combination provides Canberra with a very
effective and potent force protection weapons system, specifically suited
to the requirements of the LHD platform,’ he said. |
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Artist Impression
of HMAS Canberra LHD
(Picture: BAE Systems) |
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The Typhoon has a rate of fire of up to 180 rounds
a minute and can be operated from the Operations Room via the Combat
Management System (SAAB 9LV Mk4) or from the independent remote operating
consoles, also located in the Operations Room.
The weapons have also been mounted in such a way to cover a 360 degree
arc of fire around the platform. Two are mounted forward with one located
on the starboard gun deck and the other on the port gun sponson. The
aft mounts are located on either side of the quarterdeck, just behind
and below the flight deck.
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Canberra
class LHD
(picture: Navantia) |
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“When operated through the Combat Management
System, the Typhoon provides an increased level of functionality that
boosts its effectiveness as an all-round force protection defence system
featuring capabilities not before seen in the RAN,” said Lieutenant
Simeoni.
The Typhoon will be operated by both Boatswains Mates and Combat System
Operators, depending on the mode of operation. A team of three Electronic
Technician (Weapons) personnel will maintain the guns.
“The operators and maintainers have all completed the courses
on how to maintain and operate the weapons system and are raring to
go,” said Lieutenant Simeoni.
“We are all looking forward to testing and operating the system
during First of Class Trials at sea next year” he said.
From: Royal Australian Navy
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