Fact file: OTOMelera 76mm/62 Super Rapid medium automatic cannon

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The OTOMelera 76mm/62 Super Rapid automatic cannon is a standard medium calibre gun aboard South African ships, serving as the primary weapon of the Warrior-class offshore patrol vessel and main gun aboard the Valour-class frigates.

 

 

Description:

OTOMelera 76mm/62 Super Rapid

Type:

Breech-loading medium calibre automatic cannon.

Country of origin:

Italy

First deployed:

nn.

Delivered to the SAN:

1977.

Manufacturer:

OTOMelera

Numbers:

About 19.

Cost:

nn.

System components:

Gun system, support equipment.

General:

The Oto Melara 76mm gun is a widely used naval artillery piece now manufactured by the Italian OTOMelera company and in service with over 50 navies and coast guards.

Capable of very high rates of fire, the dual-purpose gun can engage both surface and air targets. Its compact mount allows its installation on relatively small vessels, including patrol craft.

Integrates into:

Combat Management System.

Acquisition modes:

Designated by ship’s combat management system.

Guidance:

Electro-optic tracker.

Gun:

  • Calibre:

  • Barrel length:

  • Range:

    • Effective:

    • Maximum:

  • Dimensions:

    • Length:

    • Diameter:

    • Height:

  • Weight:

  • Muzzle velocity:

  • Rate of fire:

  • Elevation:

  • Traverse:

  • Magazine:

 

  • 76mm.

  • 62 calibres.

 

  • 8000m (HE).

  • 18 400m (HE at 45deg).

 

  • –

  • –

  • –

  • 7.5mt.

  • –

  • Up to 120rpm.

  • 85deg maximum, -15deg minimum.

  • Up to 360deg.

  • 80 rounds.

 

Ammunition:

  • Weight:

  • Type:

 

 

  • Fuze:

 

  • 12.34kg (complete round), 6kg (projectile).

  • High Explosive (HE), HE Pre-fragmented, Fragment Curtain, Practice Anti-Aircraft Flash, Target Practice (TP), TP Tracer, Reference, Semi-armour piercing (SEP), SEP Extended Range, Clearing charge, Ramming and Drill. Chaff and illumination are available as well.

  • Direct action, Proximity and Base fuse.

Penetration:

Penetrates one deck down.

Power needs:

440V, 3-phase 60Hz main circuit and 115V, single-phase 400Hz for servos and syncro network.

Comment:

The system was acquired via Israel as part of Project Japonica and Coupe, the Sa’ar IV (Reshef) class fast attack craft procurement. Four have been reconditioned and fitted to the Valour-class frigates as a cost-saving measure.

 

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