25-mm Mk 38 Mod 2 Naval Gun System

The 25-mm Mk 38 Mod 2 Naval Gun System, or Stabilized Minor Caliber Gun system, from BAE Systems and Rafael sets the standard for shipboard defense against small, fast and agile surface threats. With more than 90 system variants deployed worldwide, the stabilized, remote controlled Mk 38 Mod 2 Minor Caliber Gun is proven capable in defending against multiple surface threats - in all sea states.

As a spiral derivative of the Typhoon Mk 25 Weapon System developed by Rafael, the enhanced Mk 38 Mod 2 is the U.S. Navy's ORDALT choice to upgrade the Mk 38 25-mm Chain Gun. Designed for the mission of ship self-protection, the Mk 38 Mod 2 Stabilized Minor Caliber Gun system can be applied to a wide range of different ship classes and platform designs of 50 tons or greater displacement. The system's non-penetrating deck design allows for a variety of potential applications throughout hull and superstructure locations to optimize overall operational effectiveness.

The Mk 38 Mod 2 main weapon is the M242 Bushmaster 25-mm Chain Gun, a proven NATO standard auto cannon with 2.5 km range and selectable rates of fire. The M242 Bushmaster fires all USN-approved 25-mm ammunition at up to 180 rounds per minute, with the Mk 38 Mod 2 providing 168 rounds on-mount.

The Mk 38 Mod 2 system incorporates the service-proven Toplite electro-optical (EO) fire control system to optimize effective engagement of enemy targets during day, night and all weather conditions. Toplite provides 4-axis gimbal stabilization, forward looking infra-red radar with three fields-of-view, a low contrast, low light level color television camera and an eye-safe laser range finder.

The Mk 38 Mod 2 provides for crew-safe conditions with a remote operation console located in the Combat Information Center or other protected ship structure. The operation console consists of the main control panel and a multi-function display that provides a single controller with simple operations in all modes.

The Mk 38 Mod 2 is being installed on DDG, CG, LHA, LHD, LPD, LSD, PC and FFG Naval, Ships as well as OPC and FRC Cutters. Transforming maritime security, BAE Systems has delivered 121 Mk 38 Mod 2 systems through April 2009 and is under contract to deliver another 57 in the next 18 months.  The Program of Record for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard is 346 total systems installed by then end of 2018.