The mod two is out in the fleet already. Not very mod 1 has been replaced yet, but the Ticos, many of the Burkes, the wasps, and others have been refitted, updated.
Those optics use numerous sensors, one of which is surely a cooled or uncooked thermal sensor which works well in fog, rain, heavy weather, etc. Laser sensors as well are used which also can work in the same to a degree,
My guess is that there are also provisions for radar tacking to a point, but I am not sure on that.
The following US Navy site indicates that mod 2 began deploying in 2005 and that 166 units had been deployed aboard vessels as of 2011.
http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2100&tid=500&ct=2
Thanks for the link.
It says: “MK 38 Mod 1s are maintained in a rotatable pool for temporary installation aboard deployed ships.”
Temporary installation? They list the primary upgrades to, among others, the LHD class.
Well, the BHR is LHD 6, a forward deployed carrier with a MEU. You can’t get closer to the enemy than the BHR did.
Why wouldn’t they upgrade during drydock? They say one thing and are doing another. The BHR will be deployed again late this year.
I would agree on thermal sensors, they are amazing and give very crispy images. Night or day, rain or shine, 1,000 yards + great technology.