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2020-12-13

Leonardo’s LIONFISH Family:Perfect Mix of High-Use Flexibility and Smart Tech

Versatility and compactness are key elements of the new Leonardo LIONFISH family of remotely controlled small calibre naval gun systems. The LIONFISH family provides uncompromised lethality in the defence of any kind of surface vessel. The new turrets by Leonardo are able to face the increasing threats within modern operational scenarios and provide enhanced performance in accuracy and precision, aided by its lightweight and compact design.

The four models of the new family (Ultralight, Inner Reloading, Top of 12.7 mm calibre, and the model 20 of 20 mm calibre) share a common architecture that allows an easy installation on small ships, as a primary armament, and larger ships, as a secondary armament, with no need for deck penetration. Thanks to their lightweight, the new turrets can be installed and disembarked for quick configuration changes in order to assure dual use.

Leonardo’s LIONFISH family represents a new smart solution which merges the most advanced technologies available on the market. In fact, the turrets are equipped with a highly accurate coaxial Electro-Optical Sensors suite, including a Daylight and Infrared camera and a Laser Range Finder that guarantees effectiveness during the most complex scenarios and overnight operations. The advanced technology enables a high accuracy through the ability to determine independently the stabilised firing coordinates by performing ballistic and target trajectory calculations based on an ammunition range table and Own Ship Data. The high performance auto-tracking device engages high manoeuvring and fast targeting when installed on high-speed vessels. The target designation or lead angles derive from an external Firing Control System or it can be remotely controlled.

Beyond a shared common architecture, some fundamental features distinguish the four LIONFISH models. The top is stealth and suitable to fulfil the most demanding requirements of Asymmetric Warfare due to its large magazine and wide training and elevation ranges. The Inner Reloading provides the operator with the capability of reloading the ammunitions from below deck in safe conditions. The Ultralight is characterised by its light weight, the smallest deck interface and the best trade-off between performance and price; the 20 features the longest operative range and the highest rate of fire.

All the models share the same Local Control Console (IP65 certified), including a monitor equipped with a wide LCD touch screen which includes all the turret’s command and controls in a graphic interface - it is able to show images coming from the electro-optical sensors of the turret and to easily manage it even in dangerous scenarios, such as a fire action. A pair of multifunction joysticks operating the touchscreen commands allow the full control of the turret representing a further guarantee of safety.

The variety of performances of the LIONFISH family merged with low cycle costs are able to satisfy the customer’s most stringent requirements.

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