Article Posted on : - Sep 05, 2011

The 57-mm Mk 295 ammunition. Photo: BAE Systems

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA (BNS): The US Naval Surface Warfare Center awarded BAE Systems a $23.3 million contract to provide 57-mm Mk 295 and Mk 296 ammunition for the Mk 110 gun system.

"The 57-mm ammunition increases the ability of the U.S. Navy to not only protect its ships, but to attack targets more precisely and from a greater distance, giving our sailors an increased advantage," Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager, Weapon Systems, BAE Systems, was quoted as saying in the company news release.

This is the fourth contract awarded to BAE Systems by the Navy to deliver 57-mm ammunition and calls for 2,400 Mk 295 and 3,000 Mk 296 ammunition projectiles.

The 6-mode programmable 57-mm Mk 295, pre-fragmented and proximity-fused (3P) ammunition allows the system to perform against either an aerial, surface or ground threat without requiring multiple round types. The Mk 296 TP, or Training Projectile, will be used for training purposes by the Navy and US Coast Guard, the release added.

The Mk 295 3P ammunition will provide the Navy with a capability that will engage targets across several mission areas.

The 3P projectile is capable of engaging aircraft, missiles or small boats at sea to protect the ship from many surface and air threats as well as provide support to engaged forces ashore.