Article Posted on : - Jan 19, 2015

STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN (BNS): The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems a $26.2 million contract for the production of MK46 Modification (Mod) 2 Gun Weapon Systems (GWS) for use on Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), and Zumwalt-class (DDG-1000) ships.

The MK46 30mm Naval Weapon System is an all-weather, day/night, fully stabilized weapon system. Its lightweight, modular and compact size makes it an ideal candidate for numerous anti-surface and anti-air defense applications.

The systems family of turrets represents a balance of lethality, performance, reliability and versatility, and it is one of the most cost-effective medium-caliber weapon systems, a Company statement said.

General Dynamics has delivered 38 MK46 systems to the US Navy since 2005. It is the main deck gun for LPD-17 ships and is the secondary gun battery for LCS, and Zumwalt-class (DDG-1000) ships. The MK46 Mod 2 GWS incorporates new open architecture, fault isolation software and an embedded trainer.

Production will be performed by existing employees in Anniston, Ala.;Tallahassee, Fla.;Sterling Heights, Mich.;Lima, Ohio;and Scranton, Pa. Work is expected to be completed by November 2016.