130mm AK-130
Overview
AK-130
Side view of AK-130 turret.
Source: J.T. Wenting @ www.hazegray.org -
© copyright lies with original owner
A-218
Russia
China
Description
Introduction
The AK-130 is a naval gun turret of Soviet origin. It was developed in the 1970's as a more capable gun turret than the earlier SM-2 as armament for destroyers and cruisers. The AK-130 is the most powerful naval gun turret that remains in service. The AK-130 is one of the few modern two barrel gun turrets. Its single barrel performance is similar to the US 127mm Mk 45 and Italian 127mm Compatto.
Design
The AK-130 is a massive twin gun turret. It was developed as a single gun design at first but two guns were required to meet the desired rate of fire. The 130mm guns have been derived from the 130mm M-46 towed artillery piece. The water cooled guns are mounted side by side in a massive unmanned turret with an automatic loader. The ammunition is stored below deck. The MR-184 fire control radar and optronic guidance package can control up to two AK-130 turrets.
Firepower
The AK-130 fires 130mm shells that have been derived from the towed 130mm M-46 howitzer. The maximum range is 23 km against surface targets and 15 km versus aircraft. The rate of fire is 10 to 35 rpm per barrel, which results in a maximum of 70 rpm per gun mount. A total of 150 to 180 rounds are stored in the magazine below deck. A Sovremenny class destroyers carries a total of 500 rounds in the loading system and stored in other locations.
Users
The main user of the AK-130 was the USSR navy and currently is the Russian navy. The AK-130 is used on the Sovremenny and Udaloy II class destroyers and the Slava and Kirov class cruisers. The sole export user is China which uses the AK-130 on their Sovremenny class destroyers. A single gun mount called AK-192 has been developed but has not been produced yet.
Variants
AK-130
AK-130 with characteristic red star muzzle caps.
Source: www.rusarmy.com -
© copyright lies with original owner
Variants of the AK-130
The AK-130 is a twin 130mm gun naval mount. It is one of the largest and heaviest modern naval guns. Only a single variant was ever produced. A single gun AK-192 mount has been developed but has not been placed in production. The AK-130 is only used in conjuction with the MR-184 fire control radar.
Details
Media
AK-130
Impressive frontal view of the AK-130 showing the rifled ordnance.
Source: www.rusarmy.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
AK-130 loading sytem
A view of the AK-130 loading system that is located below the turret.
Source: www.rusarmy.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
MR-184
The AK-130 uses the MR-184 fire control radar for targeting.
Source: www.bharat-rakshak.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
Project 1155.1 Fregat-M class
The single ship of Project 1155.1 Fregat-M (NATO: Udaloy II) class destroyer has an AK-130 turret on the bow.
Project 1164 Atlant class
All three Project 1164 Atlant (NATO: Slava) class cruisers are fitted with an AK-130 gun turret on the bow.
Project 1144 Orlan class
Three out of four Project 1144 Orlan (NATO: Kirov) class nuclear powered battle cruisers are fitted with a single AK-130 turret located between the rear superstructure and the helicopter pad.