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3.
C.
immobilise.
The gun should have the capability to change ammunition
rapidly and ammunition capable of penetrating 15 mm of mild steel
plate is required.
(4) The gun and system should be simple to use and easy to maintain
in order to keep training to a minimum.
The Weapons Study was carried out by the Admiralty Surface Weapons
Establishment on behalf of the Director General Weapons Department of
MOD (N).
The Study (Summary of Report by the Admiralty Surface Weapons Establishment)
a.
A market survey was carried out which confirmed that the majority of
naval guns in production are expensive and complex weapons with a high rate
of fire, optimised for the anti-air role. For this reason the possibility
of converting a simple army gun for the role was also considered (105 mm).
b.
Gun accuracy investigations confirmed that, in general, the smaller
the calibre of the gun the greater the dispersion to be expected. In view
of the first round accuracy implied by the operational requirement the
Study concluded that:
(1) Calibres of 20-30 mm and the unstabilised 40/60 mounting
(currently fitted in the RN) could be rejected on the grounds of
insufficient range to provide acceptable first round accuracy.
(2) With good fire control, calibres of 35-40 mm could be accurate
out to ranges beyond 4000 yards. However these guns were designed as
anti-aircraft weapons and had a low shell weight with a limited effect
against surface targets. With their expected dispersion they were
difficult mountings to aim warning shots at the longer ranges and they
did not have the ability to change ammunition rapidly.
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