Mauser Automatic Cannon MK 30-2: the Answer for Fighting Vehicle Programmes
27 March 2003 11:07
To be effective in modern warfare, armoured vehicles need to be highly mobile, transportable by air, and offer the right ratio between protection and firepower. Much depends on the calibre of the main armament.
In the realm of medium-calibre armament (20-50mm), several calibres are either in use or currently under development.
In deciding which calibre to employ, several important parameters have to be taken into account: the mission profile, the threat, the weight of the vehicle. Confronted with the enhanced armour protection now being employed in the systems of opposing forces, as well as the greater ranges of engagement on the modern battlefield, several nations have opted for NATO 30mm x 173 calibre systems.
The trend toward greater use of this calibre in lighter combat vehicles is clearly visible worldwide. Several nations that have selected this armament have recently plumped for the strongest version on the market: the 30mm x 173. These include NATO and non-NATO countries alike: Norway, Finland, Spain, Austria, Poland, Germany and Switzerland. The UK also deploys a 30mm calibre gun, and, after a comprehensive study, the United States Marine Corps has selected a 30mm x 173 system for its new AAAV assault vehicle.
Thanks to these programmes, the Mauser MK 30-2 automatic cannon – a 30mm x 173 calibre system – and the accompanying ammunition are now in full-scale production. Moreover, a complete family of new sub-calibre service and training rounds is now available for this cannon, having been tested and approved by several armies.
In countering future threats, a number of factors will be crucial: fast reaction capability, excellent target penetration, a high rate of fire and an extended range of engagement.
The penetration power of the 30mm x 173 APFSDS-T round is 20 percent to 30 percent higher than that of a 25mm round, according to hardness of the target.
More important is the fact that the sub-calibre 30mm round is able to penetrate the same armour at a range of 2,000 metres that a 25mm round penetrates at a distance of just 1,000 metres. In light of the new threats and greater ranges of engagement, this constitutes a critical battlefield advantage.
Furthermore, the new "Airburst Munition" (ABM) means that the 30mm-calibre family of ammunition harbours built-in upgrade potential. This programmable round permits the effective engagement of assets protected by buildings and field fortifications, as well as area targets, and can even cripple heavily armoured targets by destroying their optics and effectors.
Of the various 30mm x 173 automatic cannons on the market today, the Mauser MK 30-2 has the highest rate of fire (over 700 rounds per minute). Thus, unlike other 30mm cannons, the MK 30-2 – in conjunction with contemporary fire control technology and turret systems – can be used in an air defence role against helicopters. The MK 30-2 meets the full range of modern performance and safety criteria. Unlike chain guns, the MK 30-2 has a built-in first round response capability due to the double feeder, and can be fired in emergency mode. Combining high performance with low weight, this gas-operated cannon offers long-term dependability even under punishing field conditions.
When choosing new vehicle armament, a decision for the NATO 30mm x 173 cal.-cannon is a decision for the future. Its inherent upgrade and growth potential ensures a long service life and the ability to respond to future mission scenarios.
The MK 30-2 achieves excellent results against ground targets and helicopters alike. Both self-powered and gas-operated, this automatic cannon features an instant select dual-feed capability (first round response). Freely selectable firing modes and firing rates of up to 730 rpm make the weapon a match for a great variety of different missions.
Even in emergency mode, the MK 30-2 maintains its full rate of fire and ease of operation.
A new family of sub-calibre ammunition has now been introduced, resulting in enhanced capabilities as well as helping to trim logistics costs by reducing the number of ammunition types in the inventory.
When it comes to weight, recoil force, life-cycle costs and performance, the Mauser MK 30-2 is the best choice for modern vehicle programmes and upgrades.
For more information on this company:
Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH - Medium Calibre Weapon Systems and Ammunition
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