The 62-calibre 76-mm OTO Melara Compact gun is now the most famous lightweight dual-purpose naval gun in the world. Developed from the 76-mm (3-in) OTO Melara MMI mount in the mid-1960s the gun first entered service in 1969 as a system intended for installation in ships of any size and class down to motor gunboats and hydrofoils. The fully automatic mounting consists of two parts, the shank and the turret assembly. The former is installed below deck and contains the 80 round rotating platform and hoist ammunition feed system to the gun in the turret above. This is covered by a watertight and NBC proof fiberglass shield. The only manpower required is in the main magazine, where ammunition handlers are needed to feed the drum in order to keep it loaded. The rate of fire is adjustable from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 85 rounds per minute, although a new Super Rapid variant increases the latter to 100+ rounds per minute. The rate is adjusted on the operations room control console. Another option available is the ability to fit a stabilized line of sight local fire-control system if required.

The gun barrel is fitted with a muzzle brake and a fume extractor. Currently the gun is in service or on order with some 37 navies, and is being license built in the USA, Japan and Spain. The Israeli navy has used the weapon extensively in combat in the anti-ship and shore bombardment roles. It is believed that the Israelis have modified the gun for use in the latter role, possibly with locally produced ammunition.

A more modern variant with an autonomous turret-mounted Lince gun director and new pre-fragmented ammunition, for use against sea skimming missiles, has been developed by the Italians for production in the next year or so.

Specification 76-mm OTO Melara Compact Calibre:76 mm (3 in)

No. of barrels: one Weight: 7.35 tons Elevation: - 15° to +85°

Muzzle velocity: 925 m (3, 035 ft) per second

Projectile weight: 6.3 kg ( 13.9 lb) Maximum rate of fire: 85-100 rpm (according to variant)

Maximum effective ranges: surface fire 8 km (5 miles), and anti-aircraft fire 5 km (3. 1 miles)