| “With the linkless system there is less potential for stoppages than with free flying based ammunition feed systems,” said Bernhard Peter, senior programme leader at Mauser. The beauty of the system is that everything is contained. There is also a weight and volume saving because no link is used. Every kilogram of weight saved on an aircraft is extremely valuable.
The system has been fully developed, tested and qualified over more than a decade. This includes tests in a centrifuge to G-forces higher than expected to be encountered during Eurofighter flight profiles.
Mauser has started series production and the first aircraft armed with the weapon will roll off production lines in 2000. An issue still to be addressed by many Eurofighter users is the type of ammunition to be purchased. It is likely that former Tornado users will wish to use their existing stocks of ammunition before opting to re-order. Some existing Tornado users are also looking at the new system as a possible item to retro-fit to their aircraft as they undergo mid-life upgrade programmes.
Naval options
Apart from being used as an aircraft cannon, the BK 27 has been integrated in the Drakon close-in weapon system (CIWS), MN 27 GS and MLG 27 naval systems.
Mauser naval 27/30mm system
The lightweight naval mount, equipped with either the BK 27 high-rate-of-fire revolver cannon or the excellent high-fire-power MK 30 automatic cannon, is a modular naval weapon system for use as secondary armament on combat ships and a main weapon system on smaller units. Targets like aircraft, helicopters, speed boats, floating mines and coastal objects are intercepted with great accuracy and effective ammunition. System operation is by remote control. The turret is operated by the control handle on the non-exposed console.
Drakon: close-in weapon system
The Mauser Drakon close-in weapon system is based on the recently developed, tested and proven MIDAS quadruple gun system. To permit its use on different types of warship, Drakon is capable of being integrated, as a single quadruple gun mount, into almost any shipboard fire control system. Equipped with a platform-based or remote tracking system, it can be integrated into a number of ship-borne search radar. As a stand-alone system it needs to be provided with an FCS, including track and search sensors. The Drakon system has been designed to operate automatically and to counter the ever increasing threat of aircraft and highly manoeuvrable missiles.
MLG 27 light naval gun mount
This single barrel system is currently under development as part of a contract with the German navy. The weapon is intended to replace existing 20mm to 40mm gun systems on warships. Its main role is the destruction of inflatable boats, low flying helicopters and aircraft, as well as destroying surface mines and torpedoes. A flangible tungston penetrator round that produces devastating splinters is used by the weapon. This is a non-exploding green round. © |
