May 2006 - AAL

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May 2006 - Australia Installs Mini Typhoon gun mount on selected Frigates

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is installing the Rafael Mini-Typhoon lightweight naval machine gun mount on selected ships from its Adelaide and ANZAC class Frigate fleets.

This is part of measures to provide enhanced protection against small boat attacks and other asymmetric threats prompted by recent operational experience in the Persian Gulf.

A stabilised and marinised system designed primarily for use by small to mid size surface combatants where space and weight are at a premium, the Mini-Typhoon draws on the larger, cannon-armed Typhoon gun mount, the Mk 25 version of which recently entered service onboard the RAN's new Armidale-class patrol boats.

In conjuction with the Rafael TopLite targeting sensor and tracking system, the RAN has purchased an undisclosed number of Mini-Typhoons under Project 1874 Surface Combatant Force Protection Upgrade. Classified as a 'navy minor', the project is funded at less than AUD 20 Million (USD 15.5 million).

While Mini-Typhoon can accept the Browning M2HB 12.7mm heavy machine, Mk 19 40mm automatic grenade launcher and MAG-58 7.62mm general purpose machine gun, the RAN is understood to be mostly using only the former weapon. Depending on the armament fitted, the all up weight of the system is 140kg to 170kg.

Australia's Defence Materiel Organisation has indicated that the Mini-Typhoons adopted by the RAN will be capable of being fired remotely from under cover.

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