This system consists of the M242 auto-cannon and the Mk 88 machine gun mount. The M242 auto-cannon is an externally powered, dual-feed, single-barrel weapon which may be fired in semi-automatic or automatic modes. In the automatic mode, the rate of fire is approximately 175 rounds per minute. The M242 does not depend on gases for operation but instead utilizes an electric motor, located in the receiver, to drive all the moving parts inside the cannon. Ammunition feeding, loading and firing, extraction, and ejection are all done by the motor. The Mk 88 machine gun mount train and elevation is controlled manually by the gun operator. In the event of a major malfunction, the M242 auto-cannon can be removed from the mount and another auto-cannon installed in five minutes by two people.
Specifications | |
| Contractor | Designed and assembled by Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center; components procured from various contractors |
| Range | 2700 yards (2.5 km) |
| Guidance System | Unstabilized, manually trained and elevated |
| Type of Fire | Single shot; 175 rounds per minute automatic |
| Caliber | 25 mm (1 inch) |
| Date Deployed | 1986 |
