LIMA 2019: BAE Systems presents its full range of naval guns.

BAE Systems presents its full range of naval guns at LIMA 2019, the International Maritime and Aerospace defense exhibition that includes the 40Mk4 and 57Mk3 naval gun systems currently in-service with the Royal Malaysian Navy.

BAE Systems Bofors 40 Mk4 naval gun system (picture source BAE Systems)

The Bofors 40 Mk4 naval gun system was designed to be an agile, flexible weapon systems that enable a lightning-quick response. Its low weight and compact dimensions combine with a long range and a high rate of fire. It has the capability to rapidly switch between optimised ammunition types, including programmable 40mm 3P all-target ammo.

The system’s light weight and modest size are made possible by innovative features including its electric drive system. It also has a fully-digitised modular architecture, providing weapon synergies and future flexibility. Programmable 3P ammo means less round types are needed, reducing transport, storage, weight and space. These aspects combine to provide straightforward, costeffective integration.

The low weight and compact Bofors 40 Mk4 gun system with its high rate of fire and ability to switch between optimized ammunition types – including the intelligent 40mm 3P all-target ammunition – provides high survivability and tactical freedom at all levels of conflict. It has a maximum firingh range of 12,500 m.

The Bofors 40 Mk4 can go from warning to destruction in less than 0.5 seconds. The 3P ammo can be programmed for optimised effect against any target, including airburst patterns for new threats that were previously impossible to engage. The automatically loaded, remotely controlled weapon can also be locally controlled as a backup, equipping the operator for any scenario.

BAE Systems  Bofors 57 mm dual-pupose naval gun (picture source BAE Systems)

The Bofors 57 mm is a dual-purpose naval gun designed and produced by the Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors, now part of BAE Systems AB. The weapon is selected by and in service with a wide range of navies and coastguards, like in the US, Canada, Sweden, Finland and Mexico.

The 57mm Mk110 has this flexibility, which is proven by the fact that it is the deck gun of choice for the US Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter and offshore patrol cutter classes of ships, as well as for the US Navy’s LCS ships.

The gun is controlled by a single remote operator via the Fire Control System. As a backup, it can also be controlled from Local Control Equipment located anywhere on the ship. A muzzle velocity radar attains the highest accuracy, as well as making best use of the 3P ammo.

The Bofors 57 Mk3 naval gun system fires four rounds per second and can switch immediately between ammo types, including smart 3P all-target ammunition. This delivers seamless targeting of air, land and sea-based threats. It has a maximum firing range of 17,000 m with a rate of fire of 4 rounds per second.