The Mk 38 Mod 2 Machine Gun System (MGS) from BAE Systems and Rafael sets the standard for shipboard defense against small, fast and agile surface threats. With more than 90 system variants deployed worldwide, the stabilized, remote controlled Mk 38 Mod 2 minor caliber gun is proven capable in defending against multiple surface threats – in all sea states.
As a spiral derivative of the Typhoon Mk 25 Weapon System developed by Rafael, the enhanced Mk 38 Mod 2 is the U.S. Navy’s ORDALT choice to upgrade the Mk 38 25-mm Chain Gun. Designed for the mission of ship self-protection, the Mk 38 Mod 2 MGS can be applied to a wide range of different ship classes and platform designs of 50 tons or greater displacement. The system’s non-penetrating deck design allows for a variety of potential applications throughout hull and superstructure locations to optimize overall operational effectiveness.
The Mk 38 Mod 2 main weapon is the M242 Bushmaster 25-mm Chain Gun, a proven NATO standard auto cannon with 2.5 km range and selectable rates of fire. The M242 Bushmaster fires all USN-approved 25-mm ammunition at up to 180 rounds per minute, with the Mk 38 Mod 2 providing 168 rounds on-mount.
The Mk 38 Mod 2 system incorporates the service-proven Toplite electro-optical fire control system to optimize effective engagement of enemy targets during day, night and in all weather conditions. Toplite provides 4-axis gimbal stabilization, forward looking infra-red radar with three fields-of-view, a low contrast, low light level color television camera and an eye-safe laser range finder.
The Mk 38 Mod 2 provides for crew safe conditions with a remote operation console located in the Combat Information Center or in other protected ship structure. The operation console consists of the main control panel and a multi-function display that provides a single controller with simple operations in all modes.
For near-term application, Mk 38 Mod 2 has begun installation onboard USN surface combatants/amphibious ships. BAE Systems has successfully delivered two initial systems that are aboard the USS Princeton.
The Mk 38 Mod 2 has strong potential for use aboard future platforms such as DDG 1000, the Littoral Combat Ship and the LHA(R), as well as U.S. Coast Guard’s Integrated Deepwater System ships.
Specifications:
Contractor: Designed and assembled by Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center; components procured from various contractors
Range: 2700 yards (2.5 km)
Guidance System: Unstabilized, manually trained and elevated
Type of Fire: Single shot; 175 rounds per minute automatic
Caliber: 25 mm (1 inch) Date Deployed 1986.
Source: BAE Systems
