Muraena gun
Encyclopedia
The Muraena gun is a is a mast-mounted gun
system for submarines proposed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft. The system is a hoistable, mast-mounted automatic gun designed specifically for submarines. HDW expects to complete the system development by 2007. The unique design enables the submarine to use lethal force without having to surface, therefore maintaining the element of surprise. The hoistable mast, designed by Gabler Maschinebau, is fitted with a Mauser
30mm automatic gun (RMK 30x230) from Rheinmetall
Waffe Munition (Mauser Werke) without having to surface. The gun can be operated from periscope
depth, enabling the submarine to remain underwater and not expose itself to hostile small arms, RPG or missile fire. The gun is accommodated in the submarine's super structure, in a pressure-tight container and can be hoisted hydraulically like a snorkel
. For a gun of this calibre to be installed on top of a hoistable mast, it is essential for it to be recoilless. The gun has already been tested on a light armored vehicle (Wiesel 2).
Gun
A gun is a muzzle or breech-loaded projectile-firing weapon. There are various definitions depending on the nation and branch of service. A "gun" may be distinguished from other firearms in being a crew-served weapon such as a howitzer or mortar, as opposed to a small arm like a rifle or pistol,...
system for submarines proposed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft. The system is a hoistable, mast-mounted automatic gun designed specifically for submarines. HDW expects to complete the system development by 2007. The unique design enables the submarine to use lethal force without having to surface, therefore maintaining the element of surprise. The hoistable mast, designed by Gabler Maschinebau, is fitted with a Mauser
Mauser
Mauser was a German arms manufacturer of a line of bolt-action rifles and pistols from the 1870s to 1995. Mauser designs were built for the German armed forces...
30mm automatic gun (RMK 30x230) from Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall AG is a German automotive and defence company with factories in Düsseldorf, Kassel and Unterlüß. The company has a long tradition of making guns and artillery pieces...
Waffe Munition (Mauser Werke) without having to surface. The gun can be operated from periscope
Periscope
A periscope is an instrument for observation from a concealed position. In its simplest form it consists of a tube with mirrors at each end set parallel to each other at a 45-degree angle....
depth, enabling the submarine to remain underwater and not expose itself to hostile small arms, RPG or missile fire. The gun is accommodated in the submarine's super structure, in a pressure-tight container and can be hoisted hydraulically like a snorkel
Submarine snorkel
A submarine snorkel is a device which allows a submarine to operate submerged while still taking in air from above the surface. Navy personnel often refer to it as the snort.-History:...
. For a gun of this calibre to be installed on top of a hoistable mast, it is essential for it to be recoilless. The gun has already been tested on a light armored vehicle (Wiesel 2).