Coastal III.

This is coolbert:

The U.S. naval gun Mark 45 firing that high velocity projectile allowing for afloat coastal artillery a possible solution to the security dilemma of the Filipino in their confrontation with the Chinese over contest territory in the South China sea?

"The 5-Inch/54-caliber (Mk 45) lightweight gun is a modern U.S. naval artillery gun mount consisting of a 127 mm (5 inches) L54 Mark 19 gun on the Mark 45 mount . . . The latest 5-inch/62-caliber version consists of a longer barrel L62 Mark 36 gun fitted on the same Mark 45 mount. The gun is designed for use against surface warships, anti-aircraft and shore bombardment to support amphibious operations."

 "For sustained use, the gun mount would be occupied by a six-man crew (gun captain, panel operator, and four ammunition loaders) below deck to keep the gun continuously supplied with ammunition." This image with the female sailor included to provide a sense of scale.

Oceanic-going barges [towed or self-propelled] or monitors [all monitors by their very nature are self-propelled] in various configurations equipped with the Mark 45 gun alone  Such vessels, green-water, operating either autonomously or as part of an entire battery and firing that terminal guided high velocity projectile a serious deterrent. A CHEAP AND DIRTY BUT EFFECTIVE WAY AND AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE BRAHMOS MISSILE?

Configurations to include two gun mounts per barge or monitor. A battery consisting of three barges or monitors, C^3ISTAR again either autonomous or centrally controlled as the situation warrants.

C^3 = Command, control, communications.

ISTAR = Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance.

See this YouTube video of the Mark 45 in action.

As an alternative to the Mark 45 the Italian Oto Melara gun system LW Vulcano also adequate. See that entire YouTube video dedicated to the LW Vulcano and round.

Once more, coastal artillery but green-water capable and not land-based. This idea has merit?

coolbert.