Ship Gun Systems Equipment

LI 5111 Ship Gun Systems Equipment is a Navy budget line item focused on the procurement and modernization of shipboard gun system equipment, with the overarching goal of enhancing combat effectiveness and logistical support for naval surface forces. This line item provides funding for equipment, materials, and Ordnance Alterations (ORDALTs) that improve mission planning systems, gun fire control, and ancillary support equipment. The program supports both procurement and product improvement activities, aiming to keep fleet capabilities current and interoperable with joint and allied forces.

A key component funded under this line item is the Naval Fires Control System (NFCS). The NFCS is an automated mission planning and coordination system for Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS). Its primary objective is to automate shipboard land attack battle management, ensuring interoperability with joint Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems. By improving reliability and supportability, the NFCS enhances the Navy's ability to support forces ashore and reduces manning requirements for NSFS missions, thereby lowering total ownership costs.

Gun Fire Control Equipment encompasses the procurement and improvement of systems that manage the targeting and firing of shipboard guns. This includes upgrades to Optical Sight Systems (OSS) such as the MK46 OSS/MK20 Electro-Optical Sight System (EOSS) on DDG 51 and CG 47 class ships. Product improvements for these systems focus on technical refreshes, sensor upgrades, power supply enhancements, console and monitor updates, and replacement of obsolete components. These upgrades are justified by the need to maintain force protection capabilities, improve system reliability, and support increased fleet operational tempo.

Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS) are managed under the Navy Service Common VAS Program of Record. The program's goal is to procure, maintain, and research night vision devices, thermal detection equipment, day/night weapon optics, and lasers. These systems are essential for detection, recognition, classification, tracking, and engagement of hostile air and surface forces in degraded visual environments. Funding supports the procurement of new and replacement equipment for ships, submarines, carriers, expeditionary forces, and shore installations, ensuring commanders maintain situational awareness and standoff from threats.

Night Vision Devices and Accessories are a substantial part of the procurement under this line item. The Navy acquires night vision devices, helmet mounts, and shrouds from contractors to enhance operational effectiveness in low-light conditions. These devices are distributed across a range of platforms and installations to support operational capability. The procurement history shows a steady acquisition of these items, reflecting their ongoing importance in maintaining fleet readiness.

Optical Sight Systems Production Improvement targets enhancements for in-service electro-optical sight systems. These improvements are designed to address system obsolescence, increase imaging capabilities, and improve system availability. The objectives include technical refreshes and component-level upgrades to ensure the systems remain effective and reliable during extended fleet operations. This approach helps reduce lifecycle costs and supports the Navy's broader modernization efforts.