Wednesday, March 21, 2012 USS Reid (FFG 30) This is looking foreward from in front of the Phalanx CIWS system posted yesterday. The gun turret in the center is an Oto Melara 76 mm./L62 anti-missile/anti-aircraft automatic cannon. Some statistics about the Oto Melara automatic cannon seen in this photo – Developed by Oto Melara of Italy 1963 Production started 1964 Weight – 7.5 tons Barrel length – 186 inches Caliber – 76.2 mm. (3 inches) Shell – 27.2 pounds High Explosive Elevation - -15 to +85 degrees, @ 72 degrees/second Traverse – 360 degrees, @ 72 degrees/second Rate if fire – 85 rounds/minute Muzzle velocity – 3,030 feet/second Range – 22,000 yards High Explosive at 45 degrees Ammo storage – 80 rounds Control – by human operator or fully automatic The Oto Melara gun has been installed on ships since 1964, and is used by over 50 navies. It is installed on all kinds of ships from destroyers to patrol boats due to its small size and low weight. Due to its rapid rate of fire, the barrel is water cooled. The water is pumped through an outer sleeve around the barrel and subsequently squirts out on the deck. Also, note the red circle painted on the deck. This is so crew will keep clear of the turning radius of the gun barrel. With a 72 degree/second rotation, being hit by the rotating barrel can be lethal. And, who wants to be soaked by a squirting gun?! :) Enjoy!