General Dynamics orders BAE’s Mk110 guns for Independence variant LCS

General Dynamics has awarded BAE Systems a contract to provide two additional Mk110 naval gun systems for the Independence variant of the US Navy’s littoral combat ship (LCS).

The additional guns are part of a follow-on to a current contract, bringing the total number of Mk110 systems to 15 for the Independence variant.

The fully automatic Mk110 gun system, known internationally as the Bofors 57Mk3, is the deck gun of choice for the LCS. It is a multi-mission, medium-caliber shipboard weapon, effective against air, surface, or ground threats without requiring multiple round types. The system is capable of firing up to 220 rounds per minute at a range of more than 9 nautical miles using BAE Systems’ six-mode programmable, pre-fragmented, and proximity-fused (3P) ammunition.

“BAE Systems’ Mk110 Naval Gun, together with our advanced 3P programmable multi-purpose ammunition, provides a unique capability to address multiple air, sea, and land threats,” said Lena Gillström, general manager of Weapon Systems Sweden at BAE Systems. “This additional Mk 110 order for the LCS is evidence that this system is among the best medium-caliber naval guns in the world. Sailors benefit from its adaptability, robust endurance, and pointing accuracy, even in high wind waves and swells.”

Deliveries are expected to take place during 2019 and 2020. The 57-millimeter Mk110 is currently in service with the Navy’s LCS and the US Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter. Also selected for the Coast Guard’s new Offshore Patrol Cutter, the Mk 110 has been proposed for the Navy’s future frigate FFG(X) program.