100 56 TK - Operation and Modifications

Operation and Modifications

The first battery was built in 1968-1969. After these batteries were built in 14 sea fortresses, each one equipped with 4 such turrets. The Russians, who had been informed by this program, seemed surprised. At first only gun positions were built, but since 1970s a second construction phase began to create integrated positions with command- and storage facilities and to improve air- and close defence positions. One turret was built on a wooden platform for testing and training purposes.

In 1980s planning for a major maintenance and modernization program began. The largest modifications were the electrical system in the turrets and the gun periscope. New periscopes were ordered from Yugoslavia, but the break-up of the nation and the resulting Yugoslav wars caused delays. The guns were equipped with gun computers and laser range-finders, and some of the turrets also with night-vision systems. The electrical systems were replaced and the guns and gun positions were overhauled. Externally the most visible change was new thermal insulation dome on top the turrets that also gives them a more rock-like appearance for camouflage.

The ammunition for the guns has not fulfilled all the expectation. The most serious shortcoming was the lack dedicated anti-ship shells. In addition to normal tank gun ammunition and air burst shells with mechanical time-delay fuse, semi-armour piercing shells from Riga class frigates (Finnish Navy had two such ships) were available. As attempts to purchase suitable munitions from Russia did not succeed, it was also considered to purchase them from China. However, in the end a domestic development work began in the beginning of the 1990s on shells suitable for naval engagements.