The United States Navy

Mark 75 ~ 76mm/62 caliber 3" gun

Description: A lightweight, rapid-fire three-inch gun mounted on small combat vessels.

Background: Because of performance, lightweight and low manning requirements, the MK 75 is suited for installation on small combat vessels. Current usage includes one gun mount each for some Navy frigates and hydrofoils, and for one gun mount each for the larger Coast Guard cutters. The Mark 75 was provisionally approved for service use in September 1975.

The Naval Systems Division (NSD) of FMC Corporation and General Electric Co. (Ordnance Systems Division) were both licensed by the gun's designer, OTO Melara of La Spezia, Italy, and competed for the right to manufacture the MK-75 in the United States. In 1975, FMC/NSD won the competition. Since 1981, however, all MK 75 buys have been competed for by FMC/NSD and OTO Melara.

The first United States produced gun mount was delivered in August 1978.

Point of contact:
Public Affairs Office
Naval Sea Systems Command
Washington, DC 20360

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Single barrel, lightweight, water-cooled, rapid fire, remote controlled, dual purpose automatic enclosed naval gun
Contractor:
Designed by OTO Melara, Italy
Manufactured by FMC Naval Systems Division and OTO Melara
Range: 10 nautical miles (11.5 statue miles, 18.4 km)
Guidance System: Remotely controlled
Type of Fire: 80 rounds per minute automatic
Caliber: 76 mm (3 inch)
Date Deployed: 1978 (USS Oliver Hazard Perry)

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