27mm MLG 27
Overview
MLG 27 naval gun
An MLG 27 naval gun on an Elbe class tender.
Source: Rebell18190 -
© Public domain
Germany - STN Atlas
German for "light naval gun 27mm"
Description
Introduction
The MLG 27 is a naval self-defense gun mount of German origin. It was developed in the early 2000's to replace older local control gun mounts. Although it contains a fast firing autocannon, the MLG 27 is not intended to engage modern inbound anti-ship missiles.
Design
The MLG 27 is is a remote control mount armed with a single 27mm BK-27 autocannon. The electro optical systems are located on the left side of the mount and the ammunition box on the right side. The armament is stabilized in both axis. The mount is relatively easy on install on ships since it has no deck penetration. As a remote control weapon it requires external power supply and integration with an operator's control station on the ship.
Fire control
The electro optical fire control systems consists of a TV camera and thermal camera. This makes it an all weather system. A laser range finder improves practical accuracy. The MLG 27 can be controlled manually by an operator located within the ship using a joystick. An automated tracking mode is also present.
Firepower
The MLG 27 is armed with a single 27mm BK-27 autocannon. This revolver cannon is belt fed and has a high rate of fire. This is selectable as either 1.000 or 1.700 rpm. The mount is fitted with an ammunition box with a 90 round capacity. The BK-27 can fire a range of ammunition. In naval use the FAPDS round is used due its accuracy and effect on soft skin targets such as ships and helicopters. Effective range is about 2.5 km versus helicopters and fast assault craft. Maximum range is 4 km against larger targets such as warships.
Users
The main user of the MLG 27 is the Germany navy. About 100 systems have been adopted to replace 20mm and 40mm systems on frigates, minehunters and support ships. MLG 27 has also been exported to nations in the Middle East.
Details
Media
MLG 27 naval gun
Forward view of MLG 27 naval gun mount with cover over optronic system.
Source: Erik Lundin
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
MLG-27
MLG-27 on Germany navy Sachsen class frigate.
Source: Santiago Mena Sáez
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
MLG 27 naval gun
Rear view of MLG 27 naval gun mount showing feed chute.
Source: yetdark
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Frankenthal class
27mm MLG-27 on German Navy Frankenthal class minehunter.
Source: US Navy
Copyright: Public domain
MLG 27 naval gun
MLG 27 naval gun on the bow of a Frankenthal class minehunter.
Source: MKFI
Copyright: Public domain
Platforms
Note: incomplete list
Frankenthal class
During refit the German navy Frankenthal class minehunters are fitted with a single MLG 27 on the bow. This replaces an earlier 40mm Bofors L/70 local control mount.
Brandenburg class
Two MLG 27 have replaced the 20mm Rh-202 autocannon on the German navy Brandenburg class anti-submarine warfare frigate.
Sachsen class
German class of air defense frigate. Fitted with two MLG 27 for self-defense.
Related articles
27mm Mauser BK-27
The MLG 27 is armed with a single BK-27 revolver cannon.