Discover the formidable arsenal of the US Coast Guard with our top 5 list of deadly coast guard weapons. From the MK 38 Machine Gun to the MK 110 57mm Gun, explore the advanced naval guns, machine guns, and missile systems that make the Coast Guard a force to be reckoned with in maritime law enforcement and defense.
The United States Coast Guard is a unique branch of the military that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, but can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during wartime. As a result, the Coast Guard has a wide range of responsibilities, from search and rescue to maritime law enforcement and even combat operations. To carry out these duties, the Coast Guard has developed a formidable arsenal of weapons and technology. Here are five deadly Coast Guard weapons you need to know:
1. The MK 38 Machine Gun
The MK 38 Machine Gun is a 25mm chain gun used by the Coast Guard for a variety of purposes, including anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, and force protection. This versatile weapon is mounted on a number of Coast Guard vessels, including cutters and patrol boats. The MK 38 has a high rate of fire and is effective against a range of targets, from small boats to aircraft.
Key Features of the MK 38 Machine Gun:
• High rate of fire: 180 rounds per minute • Effective range: up to 2,000 yards • Ammunition: 25mm high-explosive, armor-piercing, and training rounds2. The M240 Machine Gun
The M240 Machine Gun is a 7.62mm belt-fed machine gun used by the Coast Guard for a variety of purposes, including force protection, law enforcement, and combat operations. This reliable and versatile weapon is widely used by the US military and is effective against personnel and light vehicles.
Key Features of the M240 Machine Gun:
• Rate of fire: 650-950 rounds per minute • Effective range: up to 3,600 yards • Ammunition: 7.62mm x 51mm NATO rounds3. The MK 87 Grenade Launcher
The MK 87 Grenade Launcher is a 40mm grenade launcher used by the Coast Guard for a variety of purposes, including force protection, law enforcement, and combat operations. This versatile weapon is effective against personnel and light vehicles, and can fire a range of ammunition, including high-explosive and smoke rounds.
Key Features of the MK 87 Grenade Launcher:
• Effective range: up to 400 yards • Ammunition: 40mm high-explosive, smoke, and training rounds • Rate of fire: 5 rounds per minute4. The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System
The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System is a 20mm Gatling gun used by the Coast Guard for anti-air and anti-surface warfare. This highly advanced system uses radar and computer controls to track and engage targets, making it highly effective against incoming missiles and aircraft.
Key Features of the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System:
• Rate of fire: 3,000 rounds per minute • Effective range: up to 3,600 yards • Ammunition: 20mm high-explosive and armor-piercing rounds5. The Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD)
The Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) is a non-lethal weapon used by the Coast Guard for a variety of purposes, including force protection, law enforcement, and crowd control. This highly advanced device uses high-intensity sound waves to disorient and incapacitate targets, making it an effective tool for protecting Coast Guard personnel and vessels.
Key Features of the Long Range Acoustic Device:
• Effective range: up to 3,000 yards • Sound output: up to 150 decibels • Uses: force protection, law enforcement, and crowd controlGallery of Coast Guard Weapons:
Coast Guard Weapons Image Gallery
In conclusion, the Coast Guard has a wide range of deadly weapons at its disposal, from machine guns and grenade launchers to advanced systems like the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System. These weapons play a critical role in protecting Coast Guard personnel and vessels, and are used in a variety of operations, from law enforcement to combat.