The Philippines newest naval warship, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz made a successful test firing of its main weapon system in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday, June 12, 2013.
The former US Coast Guard Cutter is now under the command of Capt. Ernesto Baldovino, the commanding officer of BRP Alcaraz, according to Capt. Baldovino, the ship successfully fired its OTO Melara 76 mm naval artillery gun “with a high degree of accuracy.”
The BRP Alcaraz weapons system is heavier and more sophisticated compared to her sister ship, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar. It is also armed with M242 Bushmaster guns and heavy machine guns.
The newest warship of the Philippine Navy weighs 3,250 tons, has a length of 378 feet, beam of 43 feet, and draft of 15 feet. The propulsion systems consists of two diesel engines and two gas turbine engines, giving it a top speed of 29 knots. The warship when deployed will have a total of 167 officers and men complement.
The Alcaraz will have a cruising range of 14,000 miles and can stay in the high seas for 45 days. Right now the ship is now proceeding to the Panama Canal, its next stop in its almost 2-month journey to the Philippines.
Watch the video firing of BRP Ramon Alcaraz:
Its good to see that the main gun (OTO Melara 76 mm naval gun) is working fine onboard BRP Alcaraz. Actually both sister ships has the same weapon platform, the only slight difference (not big difference) is the addition in both starboard & port side of the 25mm cannon M242 Bushmaster Mod 2. In order for these two ships to have a fighting chance with the Chinese Navy is the upgrade/installation of SSM, SAM, Fire Control System, and Surveillance Radar.