Due to obsolescence issues which could impact the longer term supportability of the 5 inch gun, the RAN considered the replacement of the original Mk45 Mod 2 gun with the new Mk 45 Mod 4 gun which has the capability of firing Extended Range Guided Munitions (ERGM). The initial proposal was for installation into the build program for ship 10 and to retrofit the new gun to existing ANZAC installations In Service. AMT provided initial advice on issues such as blast & shock loadings as well as general integration of the gun into the gun container and the ship. The magazine arrangements were also considered both to increase existing capacity as well as provide a growth path towards the stowage of ERGM rounds.

Phase 1 of the task called for detailed assessments on three initial aspects:

Ammunition Lift and Handling Issues related to 5 inch gun munitions

Replenishment at Sea - improved loading of munitions, examination of alternative locations

Ventilation System Issues raised by a proposal to utilise the Chaff deck as a potential RAS site

Phase 2 activity included a detailed assessment of the following:

Improvements to magazine layout, revised racking or universal tie down system

Integration of the new gun into a MEKO container

Blast & recoil effects of gun firing on ship systems and structure

Improved ammunition handling for existing lift or alternative lift and trunking arrangement

Design and implementation cost definition

Risk assessment

To ensure a comprehensive and authoritative study, AMT was required to coordinate and/or subcontract study activity by Blohm+Voss, Tenix, Gibbs & Cox, Noske Kaeser and EMCSI as well as closely liaise with the RAN and United Defence.

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