The US Navy has awarded a $25.7m contract to BAE Systems to modify and reconfigure two Mk 45 Mod 2 naval guns, in a bid to significantly enhance their overall mission performance.
Under the contract, the company will perform modifications on the guns to upgrade them to the 5in 62-calibre Mk 45 Mod 4 configuration, following which the gun systems will be fitted on new Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyers.
Mark Signorelli, BAE Systems Weapon Systems vice president and general manager, said: "This contract continues the Navy’s commitment to equipping its ships with the most modern, reliable and precise naval gun systems in existence."
"The Mk 45 Mod 4 gun systems cost-effectively improve the accuracy and reliability sailors need to successfully support the Navy’s broad spectrum of missions for its major combatants."
An upgrade to the Mod 2 design, the Mk 45 Mod 4 includes strengthened gun and mount subsystems, advanced control system enhancements, a touch-screen user interface and a low maintenance gun shield.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers feature the Aegis combat system and SPY-1D multi-function phased array radar and are designed to carry out peacetime operations, crisis management and sea control activities to enhance US naval capabilities.
With more than 40 years of experience in designing and producing Mk 45 gun systems, BAE has provided the US Navy and nine international fleets with over 250 shipboard applications, to date.
Work on the contracts will be carried out at the company’s facilities in Louisville, Kentucky and Minneapolis, Minnesota, US, while deliveries are scheduled to take place in 2014.
Image: An Mk 45 Mod 4 firing a round aboard a naval vessel. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.
