Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:05:33-2:06:27

What is the naval equivalent of the Sten gun?

A 76 mm gun is proposed as the shipboard counterpart to a cheap, adaptable weapon that remains useful across many missions.

Mark 41 VLSMulti Role WeaponsNaval GunsOTO Melara 76 mmShip Design
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

What shipboard weapon is the closest equivalent to the cheap, simple, and effective Sten gun?

Short answer

Probably a 3-inch or 76 mm gun, particularly the OTO Melara 76 mm. Mark 41 VLS is another option, but it is much more complicated.

Notes

A 3-inch or 76 mm gun is suggested as a close shipboard comparison to the Sten. Its range and volume of fire allow it to damage large surface targets, threaten smaller craft, and contribute to air defense. The OTO Melara 76 mm is the particular example offered. Mark 41 VLS is another possibility, with the qualification that it is much more complicated than the gun.