HMS Glasgow receives its smart gun

HMS Glasgowthe first of an expected eight Type 26 frigates being built for the UK Royal Navy has begun to be fitted with BAE Systems’ Mk 45 naval gun system.

Although all ships in the Type 26 fleet eventually carry the Mk 45, the Glasgow – as the first to be built and the most advanced in its development – ​​it will act as a test ship for the weapon’s capabilities and its assembly process.

The Mk 45 gun system combines the 5-inch, 62-caliber Mk 45 Mod 4A naval gun with a fully automated Ammunition Handling System (AHS). BAE Systems claimed the AHS could automatically reload the gun in all sea states and remain reliable under intense usage pressure and environment.

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The AHS can handle all varieties of 5-inch ammunition currently in service, meaning it should make firing operations simpler and safer for sailors in engagement situations, according to the company. Installing and testing the gun and its AHS will also show the Royal Navy what the process involves, so it can be easily replicated on future Type 26 fleet vessels.

Brent Butcher, vice president of weapons systems at BAE Systems, said the installation at HMS Glasgow “laid the foundations to ensure that the Royal Navy’s most advanced frigates have the necessary capabilities.”

BAE Systems has a $219 million contract to equip the next batch of Type 26 frigates with the Mk 45 and AHS, including HMS Cardiff and HMS Belfast. The initial order for eight Type 26 frigates will eventually be implemented to replace the Type 23 Duke-class frigates.

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