127mm Allegerito
127/64 LW
Overview
127mm Alleggerito
A 127mm Compatto turret with extended range 64-caliber gun.
Source: OTO Melara -
© copyright lies with original owner
2012 for L/64 model
Mid 2000's for L/64 upgrade
127mm Lightweight turret
127/54 LW
127/64 LW
Italy
India
Algeria
Description
Introduction
The Alleggerito is a naval gun turret of Italian origin. It was developed by OTO Melara as a smaller and less complex alternative for their original Compatto model. The Alleggerito turret is also known as the "127mm Lightweight turret" in English. The reduced deck penetration makes it a better competitor to the US Mark 45 than the older Compatto model. It was first produced in L/54 variant, but more successful in the more recent L/64 guise in combination Vulcano extended range ammunition.
Design
The new Alleggerito design has smaller dimensions, a reduced recoil force, fully digitized controls, a lower rate of fire and a reduced radar signature cover. The ammunition system below deck has changed to an automatic feeding device of 20 to 40 rounds. Late model Alleggerito turrets are fitted with the longer 64-caliber gun which results in a 20 percent extended range and the ability to fire the Volcano long range round.
Firepower
The 127mm Alleggerito fires shells that are compatible with the US 127mm L/54 shells. The rate of fire is selectable and can be as high as 35 rounds per minute. The gun may be used to engage shore targets, naval vessels and aerial targets including helicopters, subsonic aircraft and incoming missiles. The maximum range is 23 km versus surface targets and 8.6 km versus aerial targets. The 64-caliber model increases these ranges to 28 km and 9 km respectively. Below deck there is a feed system with single chute with rapid selection of next round fired. The feed systems comes in sizes of 20, 40 or 56 rounds. Depending on the design 500 to 600 additional rounds are stored elsewhere in the ship. The Vulcano series of extended range munition comes in several types, with ranges between 70 km and 120 km.
Users
The 64-caliber model Alleggerito has proven most popular of the two, being selected by at least 4 navies. The main reason is that it adds performance over the 54-caliber model at limited additional costs and requirements. Furthermore it adds the ability to install and use the Vulcano system with its very long range ammunition.
Media
Alleggerito firing
A 127mm Alleggerito turret firing during trails.
Source: OTO Melara
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Alleggerito design
Line diagram of the 127mm Allegerito turret showing the below deck ammunition arrangement.
Source: OTO Melara
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Details
Related articles
127mm Compatto
The Alleggerito is the follow up model to the widely used 127mm Compatto.
127mm Mk 45
The Alleggerito 127/64 is a direct competitor to the US Mark 45 Mod 4, which has a 62-caliber barrel.