"Our Mk 110 Naval Gun System is ideal for Lockheed Martin's LCS design and meets the demanding core ship self-defense needs due to its exceptional lethality, range, high firing rate, accuracy, compact weight, and size," said Steve Kelly, United Defense's LCS program manager.
"The 57-mm Mk 110 and its Mk 295 '3P' intelligent ammunition are unparalleled in defeating high-density small boat raids because of the ammunition's programmable, precision-timed fuse and lethal air-burst capability."
The initial contract is for long-lead material and contains options for procurement of the first two 57-mm guns for the LCS program upon receipt of government funding. United Defense will provide the gun systems, ancillary equipment and engineering and installation services. Contract award modifications for gun system production are expected in early 2005.
Work is scheduled to continue through the end of 2007, given the exercise of all options. High-volume production work is expected to be centered at the United Defense facility in Louisville, KY. Program management and gun support services will be led in Minneapolis, MN.
LCS, a revolutionary naval combatant designed to dominate the world's coastal waters, provides the Navy with fast, maneuverable and shallow draft ships aimed at maximizing mission flexibility. The ship's first missions will include mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare.