76mm Sovraponte
Overview
76mm Sovraponte
Right side view of 76mm Sovraponte naval gun mounted on the helicopter hangar of an Italian navy Thaon di Revel class vessel.
Source: Z3144228 -
© CC BY-SA 4.0
Italian for "above deck"
Netherlands - (on order)
Belgium - (on order)
Description
Introduction
The Sovraponte is a modern era naval gun of Italian origin. It is developed as a more flexible alternative to the older 76mm guns. As the name Sovraponte ("above deck") implies it is has no deck penetration, allowing it to be placed in more locations on vessels. This is significant since it is also marketed as a close-in weapon system, with guided munitions providing more standoff range to smaller caliber CIWS. The CIWS role requires a wider coverage in traverse and downward angle than a classic naval gun on the bow normally allows for.
Design
Sovraponte incorporates many of the technologies associated with the 76mm Super Rapid gun mount. These included the 76mm 62-caliber gun barrel, parts of the feed mechanism and optional Strales radar beam guidance system. The angled housing results in a reduced radar signature. All ammunition is housed above deck. There are 76 shells on mount.
Guidance
The Sovraponte gun mount is unmanned and relies on external inputs to function. These inputs are either based on radar, location data or an optronic director. Sovraponte can fire the regular range of 76mm NATO naval ammunition, plus long range Vulcano 76 and the guided DART. Vulcano 76 comes in several variants with ranges of 30 to 40 km and may feature terminal guidance. DART munitions for close-in defense can maneuver up to 20 G in flight. These are guided by either the on-mount Strales radar or external radar inputs. Rate of fire remains undisclosed for now. A 120 rpm estimate puts it in line with the 76mm Super Rapid on which the Sovraponte was based.
Firepower
Sovraponte fires the usual selection of 76mm shells for use against surface targets and aerial targets. Furthermore the DART and Vulcano families of ammunition can be fired. There are 76 shells on mount which may be of different types since the autoloader selects the correct ammunition type.
Users
Sovraponte was introduced in service on the Thaon di Revel class of the Italian navy. Sovraponte was also selected for the Dutch-Belgian ASWF batch of frigates. Additionally the Sovraponte was ordered by the Netherlands to replace several Goalkeeper close-in weapon systems in 2025 on two of the De Zeven Provinciën class frigates and the Johan de Witt class landing platform dock.
Details
Media
76mm Sovraponte
76mm Sovraponte naval gun mounted on the helicopter hangar of an Italian navy Thaon di Revel class vessel.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
76mm Sovraponte
Left side view of 76mm Sovraponte naval gun.
Source: www.defense-aerospace.com
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
76mm Sovraponte
76mm Sovraponte naval gun with Strales radar in operational position.
Source: X-post via Gabriele Molinelli
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
76mm Sovraponte
Artist impression of Sovraponte at high angle of elevation and Strales radar in use.
Source: Sales brochure photo via Gabriele Molinelli
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
76mm Sovraponte
CAD render of ammunition storage within 76mm Sovraponte naval gun turret.
Source: Sales brochure photo via Gabriele Molinelli
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
76mm Sovraponte
CAD render of ammunition storage within 76mm Sovraponte naval gun turret.
Source: Sales brochure photo via Gabriele Molinelli
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
76mm Super Rapid
The Sovraponte is based on the technology of the 76mm Super Rapid.
30mm Goalkeeper
In the Dutch navy the Sovraponte will replace some of the existing Goalkeeper close-in weapon systems. This is the first occasion in which a large caliber guided munition replaces a small caliber system with high volume of fire.