THE IMPROVED 16‐INCH GUN WEAPON SYSTEM

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Iowa class battleships are being returned to active service without significant modifications to their 16‐inch Gun Weapon System (GWS). The ordnance, 16‐in. guns and associated fire control equipment are currently 1940's vintage technology. The reactivation was accomplished without significant modernization to the gun systems due primarily to funding limitations. In the late 1970s naval gunfire had fallen out of vogue and no pressing need for 16‐in. GWS improvements existed.With the development and subsequent deployment of the landing craft air cushion (LCAC) and the MV‐22A Osprey, naval surface fire support (NSFS) of Marine amphibious operations was reexamined. Specifically, the means of generating supporting fire from surface combatants required extensive analysis. The resulting analysis indicated that the most cost‐effective partial solution to the problem was an extensive modernization of the battleship's 16‐in./50 GWS. With such a modernization, the range, lethality, and response time of the weapon would be significantly improved.Except for the gun turrets themselves, the 16‐in. GWS will be almost completely modernized. Extensive modification of the ordnance and fire control system will be accomplished.This paper first discusses the reasons for the improvement in the 16‐in. GWS. It describes, in detail, the new 16‐in. ordnance under development, highlighting the operational issues which drive the engineering approach. Finally, the new gun fire control system (FCS) is described. The advantages of streamlining with digital equipment are highlighted. Some unique features of the FCS, which are appropriate in its operational environment, are discussed.