Mk 38 Mod 2

Mk 38 Mod 2
Name	Mk 38 Mod 2
Type	Revolving autocannon
Origin	United States
Caliber	25 mm
Cartridge	25×137mm NATO
Action	Gas-operated, rotary
Feed	Linked belt
Sights	Electro-optical fire control

Mk 38 Mod 2 The Mk 38 Mod 2 is a United States naval remote weapon station built around the M242 Bushmaster 25 mm chain gun, integrating electro-optical sensors, stabilized mounts, and fire-control systems for shipboard small-boat and asymmetric-threat engagement. It combines technologies developed with inputs from naval engineering programs, defense contractors, and testing sites to provide a lightweight, crew-safe, precision-engagement capability suitable for littoral operations, convoy escort, and maritime security missions.

Design and Development

The Mk 38 Mod 2 evolved through collaboration among the United States Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Surface Warfare Center, and industry partners including General Dynamics, Raytheon Technologies, and Northrop Grumman. Design goals were influenced by operational lessons from the Persian Gulf War, Somali Civil War, and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), prompting upgrades in optics, stabilization, and remote operation to reduce crew exposure on decks during engagements with platforms akin to those encountered in the Gulf of Aden and Strait of Hormuz. Prototype testing occurred at ranges associated with the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and verification trials involved task forces assigned to the U.S. Fifth Fleet and U.S. Sixth Fleet. Procurement and fielding were shaped by requirements from Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic and Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific and budgetary considerations reviewed by the United States Congress and Department of Defense acquisition offices.

Technical Specifications

The system centers on the M242 Bushmaster 25×137mm cannon mounted in a stabilized, remotely operated turret. The Mod 2 integrates electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, day cameras, low-light imagers, and laser rangefinders produced by firms such as FLIR Systems and L3Harris Technologies, coupled to a fire-control computer derived from designs evaluated by Naval Sea Systems Command. Stabilization allows tracking in sea states encountered by vessels assigned to Carrier Strike Group escorts and Amphibious Ready Group operations. Ammunition feed is via linked belts enabling a mix of high-explosive incendiary and armor-piercing rounds compatible with NATO standardization overseen by NATO Standardization Office. Power and cooling interfaces match shipboard electrical systems specified by MIL-STD-1399. Target acquisition and tracking software implement algorithms similar to those tested by Office of Naval Research programs, with interfaces for command integration with combat systems such as Aegis Combat System and shipboard consoles used on Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and Freedom-class littoral combat ship configurations.

Operational History

The Mod 2 entered fleet service following evaluations on independent coastal patrol craft and major surface combatants during deployments to regions including the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and South China Sea. Crews operating under commanders within Commander, Task Force 151 and multinational patrols coordinating with European Union Naval Force Somalia reported engagements and interdictions that informed tactics against fast-attack craft similar to threats encountered in the Iraq War maritime environment. Training and doctrine updates were coordinated with Naval Education and Training Command and fleet exercises including RIMPAC and bilateral drills with navies from Japan, Australia, and United Kingdom. Feedback from units assigned to U.S. Coast Guard missions and joint operations with NATO partners influenced subsequent software refinements and maintenance practices.

Variants and Modifications

Variants and upgrades have included enhanced sensor suites, alternate mount adaptions for lighter patrol craft, and integration packages aligning with different combat systems on classes such as Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, and older Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates during retrofit programs. Modifications have included remote weapon station interfaces from contractors like Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and BAE Systems, and cooperative developments with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency-sponsored initiatives for autonomous target recognition analogous to research projects with DARPA. Fielded incremental improvements mirror acquisition phases overseen by the Naval Sea Systems Command and lifecycle sustainment managed under program offices aligned with Program Executive Office, Ships.

Tactical Employment and Doctrine

Doctrine for employment emphasizes use as a primary short-to-medium range surface engagement system for force protection, escort, and interdiction missions executed by units in Carrier Strike Groups, Expeditionary Strike Group formations, and independent patrols. Tactical guidance distributed via fleet directives and updated in exercise after-action reviews addresses identification of small craft threats similar to those studied following encounters near Bab-el-Mandeb and procedures aligned with rules of engagement curated by Joint Chiefs of Staff authorities. Integration with shipboard command-and-control facilitates layered defense in conjunction with systems such as the Mk 110 57mm gun and point-defense missiles fielded on Ticonderoga-class cruisers and destroyers.

Operators and Deployments

Primary operators include the United States Navy and elements of the United States Coast Guard; foreign sales and foreign military sales programs have placed derivative mounts with navies such as those of Japan, Australia, Norway, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia under agreements brokered through Defense Security Cooperation Agency processes. Deployments have been documented aboard Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Freedom-class littoral combat ships, Independence-class littoral combat ships, patrol craft assigned to U.S. Fifth Fleet, and on platforms supporting multinational anti-piracy operations coordinated with entities like Combined Task Force 151 and the European Union naval missions.

Category:Naval guns of the United States