25mm Sea Zenith

Overview

Sea Zenith

Sea Zenith on Turkish navy MEKO 200 frigate.
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Origin

Switzerland

Type

Close-in weapon system

Entered service

1986

Status

In service

Development

1977 - 1985 (design project)
1982 (prototype production)
1985 (live fire trials)

Developer

Switzerland - Oerlikon Contraves

Production

1980's - 1990's

Producer

Switzerland - Oerlikon Contraves

Number produced

24 production models, plus prototypes

Notable users

Turkey

Description

Introduction

The Sea Zenith is a close-in weapon system of Swiss origin. It was developed by Oerlikon-Contraves around their new Oerlikon KBB autocannon.

Design

The Sea Zenith is a remote controlled gun mount, which has a distinctive lean back Y-shape. Four belt-fed 25mm KBB autocannon are fitted. Ammunition is stored on both sides. The mount allows for a high elevation.

Sensors

The sensors used with the Sea Zenith are located off mount. Sea Guard radar is used as fire control radar. All gun mounts on a ship are connected to a central fire control system.

Firepower

Sea Zenith is fitted with four 25mm Oerlikon KBB autocannon. These fire the long and powerful 25x184mm round. Various types of ammunition are available. APDS is used in the Sea Zenith, with a muzzle velocity of over 1.300 m/s. Each KBB has a cyclic rate of fire of about 800 rpm. Combined rate of fire 3.200 rpm. Effective range is about 2 km.

Users

The Turkish navy was the only one to adopt the Sea Zenith. It is fitted on two classes based on the MEKO 200 design. Each ship is fitted with three Sea Zenith gun mounts.