Oto Melara (a subsidiary of the Finmeccanica Group) and Babcock
International Group's Marine Division have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding to offer the Oto Melara 127mm 64cal Light Weight (LW)
Medium Calibre Gun System to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for
the Type 26 frigate for the Royal Navy.
The 127/64 LW has already been selected by other European navies
and has been developed as a complete system, including long range
precision guided ammunition.
Under the agreed co-operation between the two companies, Babcock
would be the prime contractor to the MoD, leveraging its
established position as a Tier 1 contractor. The arrangements would
provide significant licensed work for Babcock, with opportunities
for a broad UK supply chain, in assembly, test, setting to work and
on-going in-service support in the UK.
There is also potential for the system to be offered in UK sales
of Type 26 derivatives for the export market.
The Oto Melara 127/64 LW gun is capable of firing up to 35
rounds per minute. The production turret weighs less than 29 tons
and the 'peppered' muzzle brake with an aluminium shield keeps cost
down, improves maintenance and reduces radar cross-section. The gun
uses an advanced ammunition handling system, consisting of four
revolving drum magazines holding 56 ready-to-fire rounds of more
than four different types, allowing flexibility in ammunition
selection and a high rate of sustained fire. It is capable of
anti-surface and anti-air defence, and area engagement. The new
Vulcano ammunition is capable of precision engagement at ranges
previously only achievable by missile systems but at a fraction of
the cost.
Both Babcock and Finmeccanica view this as an exciting and
mutually beneficial relationship.
Babcock Equipment Solutions managing director Roger Gillespie said:
"We are delighted to be working in co-operation with Oto Melara to
offer this gun system for the Type 26 frigate. Babcock is already
known as a leading contractor for weapon support work for the UK
MoD and is expert in the manufacture, assembly, test and setting to
work of naval weapon systems. We hold a long-term Phalanx Close-in
Weapon System support contract, as well as having the contract to
modify Mk8 Guns to Mod1 standard, and providing logistics support
for the Mod1 Gun."
Oto Melara senior vice president marketing and sales Ulderigo
Rossi said: "The 127/64 LW medium calibre gun system is now in
production for the Italian FREMM and the German F125. We are
delighted to be working with a UK industrial team to offer this for
the Royal Navy's Type 26 frigate."
The two companies are also exploring other products and markets
where they feel they may profitably co-operate.