| Phalanx Close-In Weapons System |
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Description
Fast-reaction, rapid-fire 20-millimeter gun system. |
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Features
Phalanx provides ships of the U.S. Navy with a "last-chance" defense against anti-ship missiles and littoral warfare threats that have penetrated other fleet defenses. Phalanx automatically detects, tracks and engages anti-air warfare threats such as anti-ship missiles and aircraft, while the Block 1B's man-in-the-loop system counters the emerging littoral warfare threat. This new threat includes small, high-speed surface craft, small terrorist aircraft, helicopters and surface mines. Phalanx accomplishes these engagements via an advanced search and track radar system integrated with a stabilized, forward looking infra-red (FLIR) detector. The integrated FLIR provides Phalanx with an unique multi-spectral detect and track capability for littoral warfare threats. Block 1B also incorporates new Optimized Gun Barrels which provide improved barrel life, decreased round dispersion and increased engagement ranges.
Phalanx is the only deployed close-in weapon system capable of autonomously performing its own search, detect, evaluation, track, engage and kill assessment functions. Phalanx also can be integrated into existing Combat Systems to provide additional sensor and fire-control capability.
Phalanx production started in 1978 and was first deployed in 1980 on the USS Coral Sea (CV 43).
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Background
The Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) underwent operational tests and evaluation onboard USS Bigelow in 1977, and exceeded maintenance and reliability specifications. Phalanx production started in 1978 with orders for 23 U.S. Navy and 14 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) systems. |
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Point Of Contact
Naval Sea Systems Command
Office of Corporate Communications (SEA 00D)
Washington, DC 20376
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General Characteristics
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| Primary Function: "Last-chance" anti-missile ship defense. |
| Contractor: Raytheon Systems Company (formerly Hughes Missile Systems Company and purchased from General Dynamics Pomona Division in 1992) |
Date Deployed: 1980 (aboard USS Coral Sea)
Block 1: 1988 (aboard USS Wisconsin)
Block 1B: 1999 (aboard USS Underwood) |
| Weight: 12,500 pounds (5,625 kg) - Later models: 13,600 pounds (6,120 kg). |
| Range: Classified. |
| Type Fire: 4,500 rounds/min |
| Magazine Capacity: 1,550 rounds |
| Caliber: 20mm. |
| Ammunition: Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot. Block 1B incorporates the tungsten Enhanced Lethality Cartridge with heavier penetrator. |
| Type: M-61A1 Gatling Gun. |
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| Last Update: 9 November 2009 |
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