MK-45

     The MK 45, 5-inch/54 caliber gun mount is a lightweight, single barrel, fully automatic gun system that provides surface ships with a weapon for firing 70-pound projectiles at surface craft, low-altitude aircraft, and shore targets. It is the main gun battery for destroyers, guided missile destroyers, guided missle cruisers, and amphibious assault ships. The gun-mount crew consist of six men whose battle stations are below the weather deck. In a tactical emergency, however, a single crew member can activate the mount and rapidly aim and fire up to 20 conventional rounds. USS Mississippi had two gun mounts, one forward and one aft.

MK 45 CHARACTERISTICS

WEIGHT: 48,934 pounds
HEIGHT: 10 feet, 4 inches (above deck)
AMMUNITION: 5 inch, 54 caliber
FIRING RATE: 20 rounds per minute
RANGE: 13.5 miles (max)
CONTRACTOR: United Defense
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