The Mark 86 system was developed from a 1963 Navy requirement to provide new construction ships with an improved surface-to-surface gunfire control capability. Subsequent requirements added an anti-air and self-defense missile control capability. Mark 86 systems have been purchased for installation at Navy training sites and onboard recent construction and conversion destroyers, cruisers and Tarawa class amphibious assault ships. The Navy purchased additional systems for the Ticonderoga class AEGIS cruiser and selected guided missile destroyers. Lockheed Electronics Company developed and is manufacturing the Mark 86.
The MK 86 Gun Fire Control System (GFCS) is the central sub-element of the Gun Weapons System (GWS). It provides singular or dual remote control of the ship's forward and aft 5"/54 caliber gun mounts to engage up to two targets simultaneously. The GFCS is the primary fire control radar for NGFS, SUW and AW gun engagements. From a Gunnery Officers perspective, the GFCS is the controlling element where loading and firing orders originate. Operators can select from various GFCS modes from which the system calculates ballistic gun orders. These orders can be modified by console operators to correct for environmental effects on ballistics. The GFCS conducts direct firing attacks against surface radar and optically tracked targets, as well as indirect firing during Naval Gun Fire Support (NGFS).