Description

The Russian AK-130 automatic naval gun turret was developed in the 1970's to supersede the earlier SM-2 as armament for destroyers and cruisers. This twin-barreled weapon system is the most powerful naval gun turret in service today. The 130mm liquid-cooled guns have were derived from the powerful 130mm M-46 towed artillery piece. These water cooled guns are mounted side by side in an unmanned turret with an automatic loader, with 150 to 180 rounds of ammunition stored in a magazine below deck. It’s MR-184 Kite Screech fire control radar and guidance system includes a 2-band radar, and a low light TV laser designator, and can control two AK-130 turrets simultaneously.

The maximum range is 23 km against surface targets and 15 km against aircraft. The weapon has a rate of fire of 10 to 35 rounds per minute for each of the two guns, which results in a maximum of 70 rpm per gun turret.

The main user of the AK-130 is the Russian navy, mounted on Sovremenny and Udaloy II class destroyers and Slava and Kirov class cruisers. The only export user is China, which uses the weapon on their Sovremenny class destroyers.