Babcock has delivered the last modified 4.5-in Mk8 gun to the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD), marking the completion of the Mod1 standard gun upgrade programme.
The UK MoD awarded a contract to Babcock in 2005 to upgrade the Mk8 gun to Mod1 standard to provide improved safety and reliability, while also reducing the maintenance requirement for the Royal Navy.
As part of the seven-year programme, the company provided major modification and overhaul work to convert 13 Mk8 guns to the required specifications.
Babcock Equipment Solutions managing director John Stratton said: "We are delighted to have successfully delivered the full Mk8 Mod1 upgrade programme on-time and in-budget, further underlining our strong capability in the field of weapon support and upgrade for the MoD and Royal Navy."
Featuring computer-based test and diagnostics system, the Mk8 Mod1 gun is fitted with new electric drives to enhance safety and power consumption efficiency, while reducing overall weight and below-deck space requirements.
Under a separate on-going CLS contract, Babcock will continue to deliver worldwide in-service support to the Mk8 Mod1 gun systems for the UK MoD.
The company will now focus on a follow-on contract for 19 4.5-in Mod1 guns to provide management of spares, overhaul, post-design services, obsolescence resolution and reliability improvements.
The CLS contract involves providing a technical help desk, maintenance and repairs, provision of spares including management of stock levels for maximum cost-efficiency, and sourcing for replacement of obsolete items.
The company also provides long-term in-service support for the Phalanx close-in weapon system and to upgrade the Phalanx systems to Block 1B under a separate UK MoD contract.
Image: A 4.5-in Mk8 Mod1 naval gun on HMS Northumberland. Photo: courtesy of Jackyd101.
