Phalanx CIWS
Introduction
The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) is a fast-reaction, rapid-fire 6-barrel Gatling gun with search and track radar used primarily for defense against anti-ship missiles. Designed and manufactured by the General Dynamics Corporation, it is part of the United States Navy's layered defense strategy against missile attacks.
History
The development of the Phalanx CIWS began in the late 1960s as a response to the growing threat of anti-ship missile attacks. The system was officially introduced into service in 1980, and since then, it has undergone several upgrades to improve its performance and capabilities.
Design and Features
The Phalanx CIWS is a unique system that combines a radar-guided Gatling gun and an infrared tracking system into a single unit. The system is designed to automatically detect, track, and engage incoming threats, making it a vital component of a ship's self-defense capabilities.
Gatling Gun
The centerpiece of the Phalanx CIWS is its 20mm M61 Vulcan Gatling gun. The gun is capable of firing at a rate of 4,500 rounds per minute, with each round being a self-destructing armor-piercing discarding sabot projectile.
Radar and Tracking System
The Phalanx CIWS uses a combination of Ku-band search radar and X-band tracking radar to detect and track incoming threats. The system also incorporates an infrared sensor for low-visibility conditions.
Control System
The control system of the Phalanx CIWS is fully automated, requiring minimal human intervention. The system can be manually overridden by the ship's crew if necessary.
Operational Use
The Phalanx CIWS has been widely adopted by navies around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea. It has seen action in several conflicts, including the Persian Gulf War and the 2003 Iraq War.
Upgrades and Variants
Over the years, the Phalanx CIWS has undergone several upgrades to improve its performance and capabilities. These include the Block 1 upgrade, which improved the system's radar and added the ability to engage surface targets, and the Block 1B upgrade, which added an infrared sensor for improved low-visibility performance.
There are also several variants of the Phalanx CIWS, including the Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS), which is designed for ground-based air defense.