The US Navy is looking to modernise its MK 99 fire-control system, which manages the loading, arming, and launching of Standard Missile weapons such as the SM-6 missile shown here being launched by USS Benfold . (US Navy)
The US Navy (USN) recently issued a request for information (RFI)/sources sought notice detailing its plans to modernise and redesign the MK 99 fire-control system (FCS) associated with the Aegis Weapon System.
Outlining the new requirement in the 5 June RFI, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) โ through the Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems โ said the below-decks re-architecture was intended to establish a new MK 99 Mod X FCS baseline for new-construction DDG 51 Flight III guided-missile destroyers to be procured in fiscal year (FY) 2028 to FY 2033.
The MK 99 FCS functions as the interface between the AN/SPY-1D(V) radar and the Standard Missile family of anti-air weapons. The MK 99 communicates with the ship's missile control station, controls the loading and arming of the selected missile, launches the weapon, and manages the high-power continuous wave illumination radar for missile terminal guidance.
In its current configuration, the MK 99 FCS comprises the T-1348/SPG radar transmitter; the MK 200 Mod 0/1 director controller; the MK 15 Mod 1 data converter cabinets; and the MK 666 continuous wave illuminator narrowband noise test set. Raytheon is the incumbent for the latest new-production standard (known as MK 99 Mod 14).
According to NAVSEA, market research generated through the RFI is intended to identify potential sources with the capabilities to re-design, qualify, and produce the MK 99 FCS below-deck equipment.
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