AK-630
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
AK-630 is a Russian fully automatic naval six-barreled 30 mm gatling gun. It is mounted in an enclosed automatic turret and directed by radar and television detection and tracking. The system's primary purpose is defense against anti-ship missiles, and other precision guided weapons. However it can also be employed against fixed/rotary wing aircraft, ships and other small craft, coastal targets, and floating mines.
[edit] Development
The design of the AK-630 CIWS was started in 1963, with the first operational prototype completed in 1964. Trials of the complete system, including radar and controls went on until 1976 when the system was accepted for service.
In 1983 a decision was made to update the design and modify the AK-630 system to include a second gun mounted above the first. The AK-630M1-2 Roy was roughly the same size and weight allowing installation in existing AK-630 mounts. The AK-630M1-2 Roy however was not accepted for production due to the development of a combined missile and gun system, then designated the 3M87 Kortik, but later called Kashtan.
[edit] Description
The system comprises the AK-630M Gun Mount, MR-123-02 Fire Control Radar System, and SP-521 Tracker. Features include surveillance and tracking modes, high jamming immunity, laser range finder and TV optical sight. It is in operation on almost all Russian Navy ships from fast attack boats to the Kirov Battlecruiser.
The gun mount is fully automated, however it can be remotely controlled by an operator from either the control console or via a remotely mounted gunsight. It has a higher firing rate than both the Goalkeeper and Phalanx CIWS systems. Combined with the fact that they are often mounted in pairs, with as many as 4 pairs mounted on the larger ships, providing Russian ships with an effective point defence system. However like all gatling gun-based CIWS they suffer from short engagement times and the need for multiple volleys to effectively eradicate a threat.
[edit] Specifications
- Gun: AO-18 six-barrel 30 mm Gatling gun.
- Weight: 4,226 lb (mount with ammunition) 20,093 lb (total).
- Elevation: -12 to +88 degrees at 50 degree/s
- Traverse: 360 degrees at 70 degree/s
- Muzzle velocity: 900 m/s (MPDS round).
- Rate of fire: 83 round/s (5000 round/min).
- Ammunition: Fixed (HE-FRAG, FRAG) 2,000 rounds in a below deck magazine.
- Weapons range: Effective range with HE-FRAG (0.54 kg) shell, 4,000 m (4,375 yd)
- Search and track systems: A-213-Vympel-A, includes radar, optical, and TV control systems
