57 Mk3

The Bofors 57 Mk3 is a 57mm all-target gun that can be used against many types of naval threats. It is fully automatic to reduce manning as well as time-consuming manual handling.

As a result of stealth adaption, the gun cupola is designed as an integrated part in the hull structure. It is blocked in stealth position until the moment of target engagement.

Programmable ammunition increases the systems flexibility and effectiveness. To further decrease the reaction time it is possible to choose ammunition mode at the moment of firing. The gun can switch rapidly between surface targets, air targets as well as ground targets.

The 57 Mk3 has been adopted by the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard as the Mk 110 57 mm gun.

Capability

• 6-mode programmable all-target ammunition.
• Air burst capability for small boat defence and engagement of concealed targets.
• 4 rounds per second rate of fire and super accuracy gives short firing sequences.
• 120 rounds ready to fire with immediate shift between two types of ammunition.
• On-mount muzzle velocity radar.
• Computer-controlled burst pattern.
• Remotely-operated with gyro-stabilized local control back-up.
• Maximum range: 17,000 metres.

Technical data

• Rounds in gun: 120 rounds.
• Time to open fire at 45° training and 35° elevation from stand-by condition: 2.2 s.
• Rate of fire: 4 rounds per second (240 rounds per minute).
• Muzzle velocity: 1,035 m/s.
• Max range: 17,000 m.
• Dispersion (typical values): - Elevation (s-value) 0.4 mrad - Training (s-value) 0.4 mrad.
• Life of barrel: up to 5,300 rounds.
• Total weight of gun (excl. ammunition): 7,500 kg.
• Weight including 1,000 rounds onboard: 14,000 kg.
• Length of ammunition hoists: 1,960 to 9,805 mm.
• Gyro-stabilized in local control.

External links

• BBC article
• BAE Systems Bofors 57mm Mk3 factsheet
• FMV - Official homepage