Mk 110 Naval Gun Selected as DD(X) Close-In Gun System

Released on Monday, October 25, 2004

The United States Navy has approved United Defense 57mm Mk 110 naval gun as the Close-In Gun System (CIGS) for the DD(X) destroyer baseline design. The Mk 110 selection comes after Raytheon and United Defense conducted an exhaustive study recommending the 57mm gun solution as the best solution.

The DD(X) CIGS function is to provide key ship self-defense and limited attack capabilities in conjunction with other ship's sensors and weapons such as the AGS cannon and the Mk 57 vertical launching system.

In September 2003, Bofors Defence AB of Sweden, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Defense, 57mm Mk3 naval gun was selected for use aboard the US Coast Guard's Maritime Security Cutter - Large (WMSL) under the Coast Guard's Deepwater program. The gun was designated EX-57 Mk3 and ultimately the US Navy approved the weapon to be designated as the Mk 110 mod 0.

The Mk 110 naval gun will fire 3P family of ammunition suitable for engagements against air, sea and shore targets. The Swedish 3P ammunition has been re-designated the Mk 295 mod 0 and will give the Mk 110 naval gun increased tactical flexibility and ammunition effects.

Currently the US Navy surface combatants rely upon Raytheon's Mk 15 Phalanx 20mm multi-barrel gun as their close-in weapon system (CIWS). The single barrel, larger caliber Mk 110 Mod 0 naval gun selection for DD(X) destroyers shows up that the US Navy is changing its mind in order to counter 21st century threats. In addition, other shipbuilding projects in the United States, such as CG(X), might follow DD(X) selecting Mk 110 gun as CIGS.