Bofors 40 Mk4 Explained

Bofors 40 Mk4
Origin:	Sweden
Type:	Naval gun
Is Ranged:	yes
Is Artillery:	yes
Service:	2012–present
Used By:	See operators
Designer:	BAE Systems AB
Manufacturer:	BAE Systems AB
Production Date:	2009–present
Weight:	Empty: 2300kg (5,100lb)
Crew:	remote controlled with gyro-stabilised local control back-up
Cartridge:	40 × 365 cartridge weight 2.5kg (05.5lb) shell weight 0.975kg (02.15lb)
Caliber:	40mm
Rate:	300 rounds/min
Velocity:	1012m/s
Max Range:	12500m (41,000feet)
Feed:	Magazine capacity 100 ready rounds
Elevation:	−20°/+80°
Traverse:	360°

The Bofors 40 Mk4 naval gun system is a lightweight multi-purpose naval cannon.^{[1] [2] [3] [4]} It fires programmable Bofors 40 mm 3P all-target ammunition to engage ships, aircraft, anti-ship missiles and shore targets.^{[4] [5] [6]} It is a modern naval version of the Bofors 40 mm L/70۔ The gun can engage target in less than 0.5 seconds after the warning.^[4]

Ammunition

Bofors 40 mm 3P all-target programmable ammunition allows six modes including three proximity fuzing modes. This increases the flexibility and effectiveness of the gun system, which has further reduced the reaction time of the gun and it is possible to choose ammunition mode at the moment of firing, giving it the ability to switch rapidly between surface targets, air targets, and ground targets.^{[7] [5] [6]} Along with the 40 mm 3P, the gun can also fire other Bofors 40 mm L/70 ammunition and has the capability to rapidly switch between ammunition.^[8]

Variants

• Bofors 40 mm Mk 4 L: Proposed land-based version to install on vehicles such as RMMV HX.^[9]

Users

Current users

• Belgium
  • Belgian Navy
    • ^[1]
• Brazil
  • Brazilian Navy

Maracanã^[10]

• Finland
  • Finnish Navy
    • ^[11]
• Japan
  • Japanese Coast Guard
    • ^[12]
• Netherlands
  • Royal Netherlands Navy
    • ^[1]
• Sweden
  • Swedish Navy^[13]

Future users

• United Kingdom
  • Royal Navy
    • Type 31 frigate^[1]

Notes and References

1. Web site: In focus: the Bofors 40mm Mk 4 gun that will equip the Type 31 frigates. Navy Lookout . 2 February 2024 . 31 December 2021.
2. Web site: Bofors 40 Mk4 naval gun system BAE Systems 40mm datasheet pictures photos video specifications . Navy Recognition . 21 September 2012 . 2 February 2024.
3. Web site: Bofors 40 Mk4 Naval Gun . BAE Systems . 2 February 2024 .
4. Web site: Bofors 40 Mk4 Naval Gun (pdf). BAE Systems . 2 February 2024 .
5. Web site: FUZE 3P Ammunition. BAE Systems . 2 February 2024 .
6. Web site: FUZE 3P Ammunition (pdf) . BAE Systems . 2 February 2024 .
7. Web site: 40 and 57 mm 3P ammunition. 2006. BAE Systems. 22 September 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110926175435/http://www.baesystems.com/ProductsServices/l_and_a_bof_3p.html. 26 September 2011. dead. updated page
8. Web site: Euronaval 2018: Which Naval Guns and Missiles for FLOTLOG ? . Navy Recognition . 22 October 2018 . 3 February 2024.
9. Web site: DSEI 2023: BAE outlines land-based roles for Bofors 40mm naval gun. Shephard Press Limited . 2 February 2024 . 13 September 2023.
10. Web site: Systems 40 Mk4 Naval Gun Selected By Brazilian Navy for 500T "Macae" Class Patrol Vessels . 19 May 2015 . Navy Recognition . 2 February 2024.
11. Web site: Finnish Navy completes upgrade of 4th and final Hamina-class FAC . 2 February 2024 . 6 May 2022 . https://archive.today/20220602134649/https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/05/finnish-navy-completes-upgrade-of-4th-and-final-hamina-class-fac/ . 2022-06-02 . live.
12. Web site: Japan Coast Guard New 6,000 Tons Patrol Vessel PLH-41 'Mizuho' Fitted With 40Mk4 Main Gun. Naval News . 2 February 2024 . 22 April 2019.
13. Web site: Sweden to purchase two Bofors 40 Mk4 guns for its Navy . 21 January 2019 . Navy Recognition . 2 February 2024.