The new light naval gun system SeaSnake has made its first appearance at the Euronaval exhibition in Paris.
A mock-up of the SeaSnake light naval gun system at Euronaval 2018. Source: IHS Markit/Alex Pape
Succeeding Rheinmetall's MLG 27 system, the new system is designed as a primary armament for small craft or a secondary armament for larger ships.
While the 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannon was again chosen because of its high accuracy and rate of fire, the rest of the mount is new.
"We have updated the system to be state-of-the-art," a company representative told Jane's . This includes new internals, new electronics, the option to mount an independently controlled stabilised electro-optical/infrared sensor package, and reduced radar cross-section (RCS).
The weight has also been reduced by using carbon fibre construction, according to Rheinmetall. Compared with an MLG 27 system fully loaded with 90 rounds, the SeaSnake 27 variant, with 225 rounds of ammunition, will weigh less than 600 kg; the SeaSnake 30 with 135 rounds will weigh about 620 kg.
The SeaSnake 30 mount is fitted with a 30 mm KCE30/ABM cannon, offering greater range as well as the ability to use programmable airburst ammunition.
janes.com