Meroka CIWS

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MeRoKa (from German Mehrrohrkanone, meaning multi-barrelled gun) is a Spanish Navy 12 barrelled 20 mm CIWS, using twelve Oerlikon 20 mm/120 guns mounted in 2 rows of 6 guns each. The system's primary purpose is defence against anti-ship missiles, and other precision guided weapons. However it can also be employed against fixed/rotary wing aircraft, ships and other small craft, coastal targets, and floating mines. Mounted primarily on Spanish naval vessels, from Frigate size and larger.

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Unlike a Gatling gun, the Meroka CIWS uses individual guns firing in salvos or simultaneously, the barrels are purposely skewed in order to expand the impact area. The guns are mounted in an enclosed automatic turret and the turret is directed by radar, optronic thermal control system.

The original version of the Meroka CIWS was directed by a separate off-mount radar system. This was later changed to an on-mount Lockheed Electronics PVS-2 Sharpshooter I-band radar. The radar is designed to acquire targets at 5,500 yards (5,000 meters), with the Meroka achieving first impact at 1,640 yards (1,500 meters) and destruction of the target at 550 yards (500 meters). Later versions include an optronic targeting system, as a backup in high electronic jamming conditions. More recent modifications include an Israeli designed IR tracker.

  • Gun: Oerlikon 20 mm/120.
  • Weight: 9,920 lb. (4,500 kg).
  • Elevation: -15 / +85 degrees.
  • Traverse: 360 degrees.
  • Muzzle velocity: 4,232 ft/s (1,290 m/s).
  • Rate of fire: 1,440 rounds per minute cyclic (for all twelve barrels).
  • Ammunition: Fixed (APDS-T) 720 rounds in a magazine, 60 rounds per barrel.
  • Weapons range: Effective range with APDS-T (0.102 kg with sabot), roughly 1,500 - 2,000 meters.
  • Search and track systems: Lockheed Electronics PVS-2 Sharpshooter I-band radar, Indra Thermal Imager.

Naval Weapons of the World

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