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27mm MLG 27



Overview


MLG 27 naval gun

An MLG 27 naval gun on an Elbe class tender.
Source: Rebell18190 - © Public domain

Origin
Germany
Type
Naval gun
Entered service
2003
Status
In service
Development
Early 2000's
Developer
Germany - Rheinmetall
Germany - STN Atlas
Production
Early 2000's - present
Producer
Germany - Rheinmetall
Number produced
Over 150
Designations
MLG 27 / Marine-Leicht-Geschütz 27mm
German for "light naval gun 27mm"
Notable users
Germany

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


Facts MLG 27
General
Origin
Germany
Type
Naval gun
Ordnance
Type
27mm BK-27 autocannon
Rate of fire
1.700 rpm
Range
2.5 km vs small craft and helicopters
4 km vs large ships and shore targets
Muzzle velocity
1.100 m/s
Mount
Feed mechanism
Single belt feed
90 round belt on mount
Ammunition
27x145mm Mauser
Traverse
-170° to +170°
Elevation
-15° to +70°
Operation
Crew
None on mount, remote control
Fire control
TV camera and thermal camera
Laser range finder
Automated tracking system
Dimensions
Weight
850 kg
Deck penetration
None

Media


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.