System Capabilities

The 25-mm Mk 38 Mod 2 Machine Gun System (MGS) from BAE Systems, in partnership with RAFAEL Armament Development Authority, sets the standard for shipboard defense against small, fast and agile surface threats. With system variants deployed worldwide, the stabilized, remote-controlled Mk 38 Mod 2 MGS is proven capable in defending against multiple surface threats in all sea states.
 
As a spiral derivative of the Typhoon Mk 25 Weapon System developed by RAFAEL, the enhanced Mk 38 Mod 2 MGS is the U.S. Navy's choice to upgrade the 25-mm Mk 38 Chain Gun. Designed for the mission of ship self-protection, the Mk 38 Mod 2 MGS can be applied to a wide range of different ship classes and platform designs of 50 tons or greater displacement. The system's non-penetrating deck design allows for a variety of potential applications throughout hull and superstructure locations to optimize overall operational effectiveness. 
 
The Weapon:
The Mk 38 Mod 2 MGS main weapon is the 25-mm M242 Bushmaster Chain Gun, a proven NATO standard auto cannon with 2.5 km range and selectable rates of fire. The M242 Bushmaster fires all USN-approved 25-mm ammunition at up to 180 rounds per minute, with the Mk 38 Mod 2 MGS providing 168 rounds on-mount.
 
The Ships:
The Mk 38 Mod 2 is currently in service on eleven ships and will be installed on selected U.S. Naval Ships, including CG(X), DDG 1000, LHA, LSD, PC, FFG and LPD class ships, as well as several Coast Guard vessels. BAE Systems has been contracted to deliver a total of 150 Mk 38 Mod 2 Machine Gun Systems for installation aboard various U.S. Navy surface combatants and amphibious ships. The proposed program of record calls for a total of 243 systems through FY 2015.  

Toplite:
The Mk 38 Mod 2 MGS incorporates the service-proven Toplite electro-optical (EO) fire control system to optimize effective engagement of enemy targets during day or night and in all weather conditions. Toplite provides 4-axis gimbal stabilization, forward-looking infra-red radar with three fields-of-view, a low contrast, low light level color television camera and an eye-safe laser range finder.

Crew Safety:
The Mk 38 Mod 2 MGS maximizes crew safety via full remote operation from the Combat Information Center or other protected area of the ship. The Mk 38 Mod 2 MGS operator console consists of the main control panel and a multi-function display that provides a single controller with simple operations in all modes.