Seven Guns, Spares and Training Support
Leonardo has received a contract from the Bundeswehr to provide seven OTO 76/62 SUPER RAPID (SR) naval guns, plus spares and training support, for the second batch of K130 corvettes for the German Navy.
With experience of the compact version of the system, integrated on the first batch of K130s, the German Navy has already tested its capabilities. This contract strengthens the links between Germany and Leonardo, which has supplied the nation with naval gunnery solutions since the 1970s, the most recent supplies including the 127/64 VULCANO and the HITROLE 12.7 turrets currently on board the F125-class frigates.
The OTO 76/62 SR system, in service with almost 60 navies worldwide, is the only medium-calibre naval gun with a sustained rate of fire of 120rpm – a fundamental requirement for defence in asymmetrical war scenarios. It is characterised by its light weight, accuracy and use of guided ammunition: considerable flexibility of use makes it particularly suitable for anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence and for point defence. It can be integrated onto a wide variety of ship classes, including smaller units.
Depending on configuration, the OTO 76/62 SR could include the STRALES capability, firing DART guided ammunition specifically designed for the engagement of fast manoeuvrings targets, or the VULCANO GPS-guided long-range ammunition, able to engage a target with high precision, as well as the Multi-Feed device for automatic ammunition handling. The system, which is constantly in evolution to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness, has recently successfully completed a cyber assessment, guaranteeing it against hostile cyber attacks – a rapidly emerging threat in increasingly sophisticated systems.
