ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 21 (UPI) -- BAE Systems in Virginia said the company will equip 10 U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ships with 57mm Mk 110 gun systems that can fire up 220 rounds per minute.
"We're very happy to be part of the LCS program," said Gary Slack, president of BAE Systems' U.S. Combat Systems. "We look forward to furnishing these dynamic new ships with the absolute best in naval gun technology."
Mike Smith, managing director of weapons programs for BAE Systems added: "BAE Systems' 57mm gun brings a new level of versatility against an ever-expanding range of threats, thereby matching the multi-mission requirements of the LCS program. We pooled the best technologies from sources around the world in order to create the most advanced weapon system of its kind."
The 6-mode, programmable 57mm Mk 295, pre-fragmented and proximity-fused ammunition allows the system to perform against aerial, surface or ground threat without requiring multiple round types. Sailors can switch from warning to live fire to engage a target in seconds and the servo-controlled electro hydraulic gun laying subsystems provide endurance and extreme pointing accuracy, even in high sea-state conditions.
BAE said work on the contract will take place at BAE Systems' facilities in Kentucky, Minnesota and Sweden.
Production of the gun systems is expected to run through 2017.
Details of the contract for the system weren't disclosed.
