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| Thu, Dec. 03 - - Mobile - RSS | |
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Shots over Potomac ring in new era for Navy ships
Navy rolls out weapons system at Dahlgren that will arm shoreline ships
Date published: 7/12/2008 The Navy unveiled weapons systems yesterday at the Dahlgren Naval Support Facility that will help ships handle attacks like one against the USS Cole eight years ago. Scientists at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, the base's largest command, demonstrated a new MK 46 gun system that will arm a new fleet of ships. Navy spokesman Alan Baribeau said the first littoral combat ship, designed to patrol ports, shorelines and the ocean, is scheduled to be commissioned later this year. "Littoral" means of, on or along the shore, especially a seashore. Open spaces on the boats allow various modules, or removable weapon systems, to be added or removed as needed. The MK 46 is one of many removable weapons systems on the way for the shoreline fleet. Vice Adm. Paul Sullivan said the Navy must learn from this new fleet because it can't afford to rip ships apart in the future to modernize. About 300 people attended the demonstration, including base workers, Navy brass and representatives of various media. Only a few were able to watch the live demonstration at the outdoor gun range--others watched the test on big screens indoors. Capt. Michael Good, program manager for ship modules, said the gun and other removable systems bring in a new era of flexibility and versatility. The MK 46 is part of a surface warfare system that also includes a missile component, an armed helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicles, among other features. The 30 mm gun can fire up to 250 rounds per minute and can fire armor-piercing ammunition. Surveillance tools such as helicopters and unmanned vehicles should help the Navy determine who is a threat. Two other major packages for the ships are for mine and antisubmarine warfare. Scientists at Dahlgren designed and developed the gun and also worked on control systems for the fleet's other surface warfare options. Rear Adm. Victor Guillory stressed the importance of the new combat ships. Guillory said that since the end of the Cold War, focus has shifted to fighting ashore and along shorelines where commerce and travel occur. He noted that small armed crafts can be a threat to Navy ships and disrupt commerce.
Date published: 7/12/2008
Now we need land vehicles that accomplish the same task along our borders
(posted by
freedomfirst
, July 12, 2008 5:53 am)
The M1 Tank is an ideal platform to start with. Remove the main gun and install this new gun system in it's place. Add a coupe of reprogrammed exocet missiles and guide the tank as is currently done in Iraq and other places. No wall, barbed or concertina wire needed. Our satellites can even take photos of any interlopers for posperity before they get 1 warning to turn around before being obliterated.
The missiles are prefect to blow up tractor trailers harboring illegals or drugs. They get 1 warning....
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