|
A full-scale mock-up of the modular gun system was demonstrated yesterday at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren.
Henry Taimanglo, a chief fire controlman, looks at the 'driver's seat' of a modular gun system.
A live video image shows the MK 46 gun, which is part of an interchangeable weapon module designed for the Navy's littoral combat ship. It's a component of a weapons system to guard against mine, submarine and surface attacks. |
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.
In 2000, the USS Cole entered a port in Yemen and was unexpectedly attacked by two Al-Qaida terrorists. The attackers brought a small craft with explosives close to the destroyer and blew a hole in its side.
That killed 17 American servicemen and injured many others.
Good said the fleet and weapons systems weren't designed as a result of the USS Cole attack, but that as the Navy operates in the Persian Gulf and other restricted waters, swarms of small boats are present. He said that is unconventional because Navy ships aren't up against other large ships.
Good said a swarm of smaller craft could try to inflict damage, resulting in a loss of life, and also could try to inflict political damage on a nation by attacking.
"When commerce comes by sea it has to pass through restricted waters," Good said. "[We want to] assure maritime commerce proceeds unimpeded."
He noted that piracy also is a real threat in some parts of the world.
Baribeau said the surface warfare systems, of which the MK 46 gun is a part, have an estimated cost of $16.4 million, which is budgeted for fiscal 2011.
Rep. Rob Wittman (R-1st District), who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, attended the demonstration. He, too, said the ships will offer flexibility and contribute to the safety of sailors.
Before the ceremony began, Wittman praised the project's features such as the unmanned aerial vehicle, because if it's lost, a sailor is not.
Corey Byers: 540/735-1976
Email: cbyers@freelancestar.com
