HMS Iron Duke Tests Main Gun near Dorset, UK

The mighty 4.5” gun of HMS Iron Duke pounded the waves off Dorset, proving that she remains a fighting force, ready for operations around the globe.

The Type 23 Frigate tested her Main Gun near Dorset, firing rounds from the newly refurbished weapon.

The practice firings test both the weapons system itself and the abilities of the ‘Gunners’ to use it correctly, practicing their drills and skills. In UK waters, safe firings are of paramount importance and safety features highly in firing procedures.

In her intensive programme of weapons and machinery trials, the Portsmouth based warship spent 3 days proving both the 114mm (4 ½ inch) Mk 8 Gun and her smaller calibre weapons.

The Ship’s main gun is used for surface warfare and gunfire support to troops on the ground; it was last fired in action off Libya in 2011.

These trials demonstrate the ability to accurately and quickly respond to events, knowing that the gun will deliver the right effect when needed. Naval Gunfire Support is a key component of core Navy business.

The Ship’s Gunnery Officer, Lt Cdr Chris L’Amie said:

“It was an extremely proud moment to fire the 4.5 inch gun following refit, it was an important step in our regeneration.”

The firings in the English Channel of the main gun and the 30mm Automatic Cannons proved the newly fitted systems are working correctly and will reliably operate when needed.

In a staged process that tests the systems in local control as well as in Operations Room control, the practice also tested the range and extent of the system, firing at high angles as well as low angles and at the fullest extremities of left and right movement.

HMS Iron Duke is nearing the end of her trials programme, after which she will begin a period of intensive training before deploying on operations. Her Ship’s Company of 180 sailors hail from all parts of UK and across the globe.

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Press Release, October 24, 2013; Image: Royal Navy