Canadian River Class Destroyer Megathread

[Underway]

Main issue with the NRWS was the forward mount EOIR were failing at a high rate. The Aft mounts were quite good and accurate (scary accurate actually, amazing what gyro stabilization does). They suspect it was main gun shockwave that was causing the problem. There are various solutions.

But like all things military, teething problems have coloured the perception. The reality isn't the same as the perception anymore as any minor issue with the system just goes to its "bad reputation", when in actuality its not nearly as bad as it was when they were introduced. Some of the negative perception with the gun also comes from the requirement on the frigates to have to trial them with a swap to C6 and back again to 50 cal. Which is a gigantic PITA as you have to essentially recalibrate the EOIR with the weapon again. Its not a technical issue it's a "we hate this trial" issue.

 

[NavyShooter]

 

[Colin Parkinson]

I wonder if this is the version that will be put on to the RCD, seems the USN is starting to warm up to the system?

 

[oldcpu]

I wonder if this is the version that will be put on to the RCD, seems the USN is starting to warm up to the system?

I believe this is the same gun (Mk38-Mod4) as that planned to install on the River Class.

A also note a defence blog is claiming the US Navy is procuring more of the 30mm Mk38 Mod 4guns (replacing the existing 25mm Mk38 Mod3 on USN ships).

 

[Colin Parkinson]

Yes this video says they have ordered 15 more guns and mounts and upgrading Mk1's to Mk 2's. Seems like the new mount is promising, but they want more real world testing before fully equipping. I suspect MK2 and 3's will be around for a long while.

 

[oldcpu]

Yes this video says they have ordered 15 more guns and mounts and upgrading Mk1's to Mk 2's. Seems like the new mount is promising, but they want more real world testing before fully equipping. I suspect MK2 and 3's will be around for a long while.

I read up a bit on this gun.

From what I read, the Mk38 Mod-4 (30mm) and the older Mod-2 and Mod-3 variants differ primarily in their weapon system, mounting lineage, and sensor/fire-control integration.

While the Mod-2 and Mod-3 use the 25mm M242 Bushmaster gun, the Mod-4 utilizes the 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster II gun. Mechanically, the Mod-2 and Mod-3 are built on Rafael Typhoon-derived mounts, whereas the Mod-4 is derived from the MSI Seahawk DS30M mount. All variants provide stabilization and remote operation.

For sighting and fire control, the Mod-2 features a gun-mounted EO/IR sight, while the Mod-3 and Mod-4 use off-mount suites (with the Mod-4 incorporating the stabilized Mk48 Mod-2). The 30mm Mod-4 ammunition suite also introduces programmable air-burst capability, which the 25mm gun variants lack. Finally, the Mod-4 integrates with the Aegis combat system and can accept tracks from it, whereas the Mod-2 and Mod-3 operate primarily as standalone systems.

I also read for the Mk38 Mod-4 (30mm) that the MSI Seahawk DS30M mount , in competition, was chosen over a Rafael Typhoon-derived mount, ... but I don't know why.