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58-482: The Phalanx CIWS ( SEE -wiz ) is an automated gun-based close-in weapon system to defend military watercraft automatically against incoming threats such as aircraft, missiles , and small boats. It was designed and manufactured by the General Dynamics Corporation, Pomona Division , later a part of Raytheon . Consisting of a radar-guided 20 mm (0.8 in) Vulcan cannon mounted on

116-515: A K u band fire control radar system for acquiring and tracking targets. This proven system was combined with a purpose-made mounting, capable of fast elevation and traverse speeds, to track incoming targets. An entirely self-contained unit, the mounting houses the gun, an automated fire-control system and all other major components, enabling it to automatically search for, detect, track, engage, and confirm kills using its computer-controlled radar system. Owing to this self-contained nature, Phalanx

174-755: A heat source ( thermal radiation ), to create an image assembled for video output. They can be used to help pilots and drivers steer their vehicles at night and in fog, or to detect warm objects against a cooler background. The wavelength of infrared that thermal imaging cameras detect is 3 to 12  μm and differs significantly from that of night vision , which operates in the visible light and near-infrared ranges (0.4 to 1.0  μm). Infrared light falls into two basic ranges: long-wave and medium-wave . Long-wave infrared (LWIR) cameras, sometimes called "far-infrared", operate at 8 to 12 μm and can see heat sources, such as hot engine parts or human body heat , several kilometers away. Longer-distance viewing

232-615: A 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km) area. One major difference between the land- and sea-based variants is the choice of ammunition. Whereas naval Phalanx systems fire tungsten armor-piercing rounds, the C-RAM uses the 20–mm HEIT-SD ( High-Explosive Incendiary Tracer , Self-Destruct) ammunition, originally developed for the M163 Vulcan Air Defense System . These rounds explode if they impact a target, but if they miss they self-destruct on tracer burnout, greatly reducing

290-455: A combination of radars , computers, and rapid-firing multiple-barrel rotary cannons placed on a rotating turret . Missile-based CIWSs use either infra-red , passive radar / ESM , or semi-active radar terminal guidance to guide missiles to the targeted enemy aircraft or other threats. In some cases, CIWS are used on land to protect military bases. In this case, the CIWS can also protect

348-437: A combination of radars and computers connected to either a rotating, automatically aimed launcher mount or vertical launching system . Examples of missile-based CIWS in operational service are: CIWS are also used on land in the form of Pantsir and C-RAM . On a smaller scale, active protection systems are used in some tanks (to destroy rocket propelled grenades (RPGs), and several are in development. The Drozd system

406-417: A minimum, effectively keeping secondary damage to a minimum. The ammunition handling system has two conveyor belt systems. The first takes the rounds out of the magazine drum to the gun; the second takes empty shells or unfired rounds to the opposite end of the drum. The 20–mm APDS rounds consist of a 15 mm (0.59 in) penetrator encased in a plastic sabot and a lightweight metal pusher. Rounds fired by

464-463: A modified Phalanx 1B CIWS, powered by an attached generator and mounted on a trailer for mobility. Including the same 20 mm M61A1 Gatling gun, the unit is likewise capable of firing 4,500 20–mm rounds per minute. In 2008, there were more than 20 C-RAM systems protecting bases in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. A Raytheon spokesman told the Navy Times that 105 attacks were defeated by

522-429: A new computer system to counter more maneuverable targets. The Block 1B PSuM (Phalanx Surface Mode, 1999) adds a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor to make the weapon effective against surface targets. This addition was developed to provide ship defense against small vessel threats and other "floaters" in littoral waters and to improve the weapon's performance against slower low-flying aircraft. The FLIR's capability

580-632: A petty officer. On 17 May 1987, during the Iran–Iraq War , which the US was observing as a non-combatant, an Iraqi Dassault Mirage F1 fighter fired two Exocet missiles at what was deemed to be a suitable target, but was the American frigate USS  Stark . The Phalanx CIWS remained in standby mode and the Mark 36 SRBOC countermeasures were not armed, as no attack had been expected. Both missiles struck

638-421: A rate of 4,500 rounds per minute with a 1,550-round magazine. The velocity of the rounds fired is about 3,600 feet per second (1,100 m/s). The rounds are armor-piercing tungsten penetrator rounds or depleted uranium with discardable plastic sabots . The Phalanx CIWS 20–mm rounds are designed to destroy a missile's airframe and make it non-aerodynamic, thus keeping shrapnel from the exploding projectile to

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696-728: A solution to continual rocket and mortar attacks on bases in Iraq, the U.S. Army requested a quick-to-field antiprojectile system in May 2004, as part of its Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar initiative. The result of this program was the "Centurion". For all intents and purposes a terrestrial version of the Navy's CIWS, the Centurion was rapidly developed, with a proof-of-concept test in November that same year. Deployment to Iraq began in 2005, where it

754-872: A swiveling base, the Phalanx has been used by the United States Navy and the naval forces of 15 other countries. The U.S. Navy deploys it on every class of surface combat ship, except the Zumwalt -class destroyer and San Antonio -class amphibious transport dock . Other users include the British Royal Navy , the Royal Australian Navy , the Royal New Zealand Navy , the Royal Canadian Navy , and

812-523: A technician to maintain, operate, and repair the CIWS. On 10 February 1983, USS  Antrim was conducting a live-fire exercise off the East Coast of the United States using the Phalanx against a target drone. Although the drone was successfully engaged at close range, the debris of the destroyed target bounced off the sea surface and struck the ship, causing significant damage and fire from

870-496: Is about 500 m (1,600 ft) or less, still close enough to cause damage to the ship's sensor or communication arrays, or to wound or kill exposed personnel. Thus some CIWS like Russian Kashtan and Pantsir systems are augmented by installing the close range surface-to-air missiles on the same mounting for increased tactical flexibility. Limited kill probability: even if the missile is hit and damaged, this may not be enough to destroy it entirely or to alter its course. Even in

928-1015: Is also of use against low-observability missiles and can be linked with the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) system to increase RAM engagement range and accuracy. The Block 1B also allows for an operator to visually identify and target threats. Since the end of FY 2015, the US Navy has upgraded all Phalanx systems to the Block 1B variant. In addition to the FLIR sensor, the Block 1B incorporates an automatic acquisition video tracker, optimized gun barrels (OGB), and Enhanced Lethality Cartridges (ELC) for additional capabilities against asymmetric threats such as small maneuvering surface craft, slow-flying fixed and rotary-winged aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles . The FLIR sensor improves performance against anti-ship cruise missiles, while

986-421: Is for upgrading the current Block 0 to MK15 Phalanx Block 1B Baseline 2, total cost: 0.416B with 260K MK 244 MOD 0 armor piercing bullet, Baseline2 is the newest model in Block 1B on 11/2016) [REDACTED]   United Kingdom [REDACTED]   United States [REDACTED]   Australia Close-in weapon system There are two types of CIWS systems. A gun-based CIWS usually consists of

1044-523: Is ideal for support ships, which lack integrated targeting systems and generally have limited sensors. The entire unit has a mass between 12,400 to 13,500 lb (5,600 to 6,100 kg). Because of their distinctive barrel-shaped radome and their automated operation, Phalanx CIWS units are sometimes nicknamed " R2-D2 " after the droid from the Star Wars films. The Phalanx system has been developed through several configurations. The basic (original)

1102-422: Is located inside the radome on the weapon control group (top of the white-painted portion). The search subsystem provides bearing, range, velocity, heading, and altitude information of potential targets to the CIWS computer. This information is analyzed to determine whether the detected object should be engaged by the CIWS system. Once the computer identifies a valid target (see details below), the mount moves to face

1160-506: Is made more difficult with LWIR because the infrared light is absorbed , scattered , and refracted by air and by water vapor. Some long-wave cameras require their detector to be cryogenically cooled, typically for several minutes before use, although some moderately sensitive infrared cameras do not require this. Many thermal imagers, including some forward-looking infrared cameras (such as some LWIR enhanced vision systems (EVS)) are also uncooled. Medium-wave (MWIR) cameras operate in

1218-420: Is the Block 0, equipped with first-generation, solid-state electronics and with marginal capability against surface targets. The Block 1 (1988) upgrade improved radar, ammunition, computing power, rate of fire, and an increase in maximum engagement elevation to +70 degrees. These improvements were intended to increase the system's capability against emerging Russian supersonic anti-ship missiles. Block 1A introduced

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1276-626: Is the second organisation after the US to have developed and tested a High Power Laser CIWS prototype System which is intended to be used on the TF-2000 class frigate and on Turkish airborne systems. Forward-looking infrared Forward-looking infrared ( FLIR ) cameras, typically used on military and civilian aircraft, use a thermographic camera that senses infrared radiation . The sensors installed in forward-looking infrared cameras, as well as those of other thermal imaging cameras, use detection of infrared radiation, typically emitted from

1334-499: The FBI conducted 10 aerial surveillance missions between April 29 and May 3, which included "infrared and day color, full-motion FLIR video evidence" collection, according to FBI spokesman Christopher Allen. A FLIR Talon multi-sensor camera system equipped with an infrared laser pointer (which is invisible to casual observers) for illumination purposes was used to gather data at night. The American Civil Liberties Union raised concerns over

1392-578: The Seersucker ); Missouri responded by firing its SRBOC chaff countermeasures . The Phalanx system on Jarrett , operating in automatic target-acquisition mode, fixed on Missouri ' s chaff and fired a burst of rounds, of which four hit Missouri , 2 to 3 nautical miles (4 to 6 km) from Jarrett at the time. There were no injuries on Missouri , and the Iraqi missiles were destroyed by Sea Dart missiles fired by Gloucester . On May 5, 1994,

1450-544: The Supreme Court of Canada determined that the use of airborne FLIR in surveillance by police was permitted without requiring a search warrant. The Court determined that the general nature of the data gathered by FLIR did not reveal personal information of the occupants and therefore was not in violation of Tessling's Section 8 rights afforded under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982). Ian Binnie distinguished

1508-569: The U.S. Coast Guard . A land variant, the LPWS (Land Phalanx Weapon System), part of the Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) system, was developed. It was deployed to counter rocket , artillery and mortar attacks during the 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan . The U.S. Navy also fields the SeaRAM system, which pairs the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile with sensors based on

1566-610: The United States Supreme Court decided in Kyllo v. United States that performing surveillance of private property (ostensibly to detect high emission grow lights used in clandestine cannabis farming) using thermal imaging cameras without a search warrant by law enforcement violates the Fourth Amendment's protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. In the 2004 R. v. Tessling judgment,

1624-615: The port side of the ship near the bridge. 37 United States Navy personnel were killed and 21 wounded. Iraq apologized and paid compensation for this unintentional attack. On 25 February 1991, during the first Gulf War , the Phalanx-equipped frigate USS  Jarrett was a few miles from the U.S. Navy battleship USS  Missouri and the Royal Navy destroyer HMS  Gloucester . An Iraqi missile battery fired two Silkworm anti-ship missiles (often referred to as

1682-410: The 3–5 μm range. These can see almost as well, since those frequencies are less affected by water-vapor absorption, but generally require a more expensive sensor array , along with cryogenic cooling. Many camera systems use digital image processing to improve the image quality. Infrared imaging sensor arrays often have wildly inconsistent sensitivities from pixel to pixel, due to limitations in

1740-634: The Canadian National Aerial Surveillance Program DHC-8M-100 aircraft mounted with infrared sensors was instrumental in the search for Justin Bourque , a fugitive who had killed three Royal Canadian Mounted Police members in Moncton . The plane's crew used its advanced heat-sensing camera to discover Bourque's heat signature in the deep brushwoods at midnight. During 2015 Baltimore protests ,

1798-515: The Canadian law with respect to the Kyllo judgment, by agreeing with the Kyllo minority that public officials should not have to avert their senses or their equipment from detecting emissions in the public domain such as excessive heat, traces of smoke, suspicious odors, odorless gases, airborne particulates, or radioactive emissions, any of which could identify hazards to the community. In June 2014,

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1856-537: The OGB and ELC provide tighter dispersion and increased "first-hit" range; the Mk 244 ELC is specifically designed to penetrate anti-ship missiles with a 48 percent heavier tungsten penetrator round and an aluminum nose piece. Another system upgrade is the Phalanx 1B Baseline 2 radar to improve detection performance, increase reliability, and reduce maintenance. It also has a surface mode to track, detect, and destroy threats closer to

1914-622: The Phalanx cost around $ 30 each and the gun typically fires 100 or more when engaging a target. The CIWS does not recognize identification friend or foe , also known as IFF. The CIWS has only the data it collects in real time from the radars to decide if the target is a threat and to engage it. A contact must meet multiple criteria for the CIWS to consider it a target. These criteria include: There are many other subsystems that together ensure proper operation, such as environmental control, transmitter, mount movement control, power control and distribution, and so on. It takes six to eight months to train

1972-432: The Phalanx. The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) was developed as the last line of automated weapons defense (terminal defense or point defense) against all incoming threats, including antiship missiles (AShMs or ASMs), aircraft including high-g and maneuvering sea-skimmers, and small boats. The first prototype system was offered to the U.S. Navy for evaluation on the destroyer leader USS  King in 1973 and it

2030-623: The Raytheon AN/AAQ-26 are used in a variety of applications, including naval vessels , fixed-wing aircraft , helicopters , armored fighting vehicles , and military-grade smartphones . In warfare, they have three distinct advantages over other imaging technologies: The term "forward-looking" is used to distinguish fixed forward-looking thermal imaging systems from sideways-tracking infrared systems, also known as " push broom " imagers, and other thermal imaging systems such as gimbal-mounted imaging systems, handheld imaging systems, and

2088-525: The WinPASS subsystem. WinPASS (Windows-based Parameter Analysis and Storage Subsystem) is a secondary computer built into the local control station that allows technicians to perform various tests on system hardware and software for maintenance and troubleshooting purposes. It also stores data from any engagements the system conducts so that it can later be analyzed. The CIWS has two antennas that work together to engage targets. The first antenna, for searching,

2146-671: The addition of a second scan mirror, the invention of the first forward-looking infrared camera occurred in 1963, with production beginning in 1966. In 1972, TI introduced the Common Module concept, which greatly reduced costs and allowed for the reuse of common components. The cost of thermal imaging equipment in general has fallen dramatically after inexpensive portable and fixed infrared detectors and systems based on microelectromechanical technology were designed and manufactured for commercial, industrial, and military application. Also, older camera designs used rotating mirrors to scan

2204-478: The base from shell and rocket fire. A gun-based CIWS usually consists of a combination of radars, computers and rotary or revolver cannon placed on a rotating, automatically aimed gun mount. Examples of gun-based CIWS products in operation are: Short range: the maximum effective range of gun systems is about 5,000 metres (16,000 ft); systems with lighter projectiles have even shorter range. The expected real-world kill-distance of an incoming anti-ship missile

2262-405: The case of a direct hit, the missile or fragments from it may still impact the intended target, particularly if the final interception distance is short. This is especially true if the gun fires kinetic-energy -only projectiles. 8 × 9M311K + 32 missiles 1–2 (salvo) missiles per 3–4 sec ABM: 3,500 m (11,500 ft) ABM: 1,050 m/s (3,400 ft/s) A missile-based CIWS comprises

2320-469: The drone's residual fuel and killing a civilian instructor aboard the ship. On 13 October 1989, USS  El Paso was conducting a live-fire exercise off the East Coast of the United States using the Phalanx against a target drone. The drone was successfully engaged, but as the drone fell to the sea, the CIWS re-engaged it as a continued threat to El Paso . Rounds from the Phalanx struck the bridge of USS  Iwo Jima , killing one officer and injuring

2378-462: The image to a small sensor. More modern cameras no longer use this method; the simplification helps reduce cost. Uncooled technology available in many Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS or EVS) products have reduced the costs to fractions of the price of older cooled technology, with similar performance. EVS is rapidly becoming mainstream on many fixed wing and rotary wing operators from Cirrus and Cessna aircraft to large business jets. In 2001,

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2436-531: The like. Pushbroom systems typically have been used on aircraft and satellites. Sideways-tracking imagers normally involve a one-dimensional (1D) array of pixels, which uses the motion of the aircraft or satellite to move the view of the 1D array across the ground to build up a 2D image over time. Such systems cannot be used for real-time imaging and must look perpendicular to the direction of travel. In 1956, Texas Instruments began research on infrared technology that led to several line scanner contracts and, with

2494-403: The manufacturing process. To remedy this, the response of each pixel is measured at the factory, and a transform, most often linear, maps the measured input signal to an output level. Some companies offer advanced "fusion" technologies that blend a visible-spectrum image with an infrared-spectrum image to produce better results than a single-spectrum image alone. Thermal imaging cameras such as

2552-435: The operator. While firing 75 rounds per second, the system tracks outgoing rounds and 'walks' them onto the target. The Block 0 CIWS mounts (hydraulic driven) fired at a rate of 3,000 rounds per minute and held 989 rounds in the magazine drum. The Block 1 CIWS mounts (hydraulic) also fired at 3,000 rounds per minute with an extended magazine drum holding 1,550 rounds. The Block 1A and newer (pneumatic driven) CIWS mounts fire at

2610-674: The order to fire before the A-6 was out of the CIWS engagement envelope. On 30 January 2024, Houthis fired an anti-ship cruise missile toward the Red Sea . The missile came within a mile of the Arleigh Burke -class destroyer USS Gravely . The Phalanx CIWS aboard Gravely was used to shoot down the missile. This was the first time the Phalanx CIWS was used to down a Houthi-fired missile. No damage or injuries were reported. Seeking

2668-467: The port side Phalanx on board the USS Lake Erie accidentally fired two depleted uranium rounds while the ship was at its berth at Pearl Harbor , Hawaii. Sailors were conducting a firing circuit test as part of routine maintenance on the CIWS system at the time. A Judge Advocate General investigation concluded that required CIWS pre and post-firing inspections had not been properly conducted and

2726-538: The range of modern ASMs, from 1 to 5 nautical miles (2 to 9 km). The gun mount moves at a very high speed and with great precision. The system takes minimal inputs from the ship, making it capable of functioning despite potential damage to the ship. The only inputs required for operation are 440   V AC three-phase electric power at 60   Hz and water (for electronics cooling). For full operation, including some nonessential functions, it also has inputs for ship's true compass heading and 115   V AC for

2784-794: The risk of collateral damage from misses. [REDACTED]   Australia [REDACTED]   Bahrain [REDACTED]   Canada [REDACTED]   Chile [REDACTED]   Ecuador [REDACTED]   Egypt [REDACTED]   Greece [REDACTED]   India [REDACTED]   Israel [REDACTED]   Japan [REDACTED]   Mexico [REDACTED]   New Zealand [REDACTED]   Pakistan [REDACTED]   Poland [REDACTED]   Portugal [REDACTED]   Saudi Arabia [REDACTED]   South Korea [REDACTED]   Thailand [REDACTED]   Turkey [REDACTED]   Taiwan (13 sets MK15 Phalanx Block 1B Baseline 2, 8 set

2842-455: The rounds had gone undetected in the ammunition drive. It is believed by the Navy that the rounds fell in an undeveloped mountainous area near Aiea, HI . There were no reports of any injuries or property damage as a result of the accidental discharge. On 4 June 1996, a Phalanx operated by the JMSDF accidentally shot down a US A-6 Intruder from the aircraft carrier USS  Independence that

2900-401: The system to fire at varying rates to conserve ammunition. The new design replaces the pneumatic motor, compressor, and storage tanks, reducing system weight by 180 lb (82 kg) while increasing reliability and reducing operating costs. The CIWS is designed to be the last line of defense against anti-ship missiles. Due to its design criteria, its effective range is very short relative to

2958-460: The systems, most of them involving mortars. Based on the success of Centurion, 23 additional systems were ordered in September 2008. Like the naval (1B) version, Centurion uses Ku-band radar and FLIR to detect and track incoming projectiles, and is also capable of engaging surface targets, with the system able to reach a minus-25-degree elevation. The Centurion is reportedly capable of defending

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3016-451: The target and then hands the target over to the tracking antenna at around 4.5 nautical miles (8 km). The track antenna is extremely precise, but views a much smaller area. The tracking subsystem observes the target until the computer determines that the probability of a successful hit is maximized and then, depending on the operator conditions, the system either fires automatically at around 1 nautical mile (2 km) or recommends fire to

3074-510: The water's surface, increasing the ability to defend against fast-attack boats and low-flying missiles. As of 2019, the Baseline 2 radar upgrade has been installed on all U.S. Navy Phalanx system-equipped vessels. The Block 1B is also used by other navies, such as Canada , Portugal , Japan , Egypt , Bahrain , and the UK . In April 2017, Raytheon tested a new electric gun for the Phalanx allowing

3132-453: The weapon system was approved for production in 1978. Phalanx production started with orders for 23 USN and 14 foreign military systems. The first ship fully fitted out was the aircraft carrier USS  Coral Sea in 1980. The Navy began placing CIWS systems on non-combatant vessels in 1984. The basis of the system is the 20 mm M61 Vulcan rotary cannon , used by the United States military on various tactical aircraft since 1959, linked to

3190-683: Was deployed on Soviet Naval Infantry tanks in the early 1980s, but later replaced by explosive reactive armour . Other systems that are available or under development are the Russian Arena , Israeli Trophy , American Quick Kill and South African-Swedish LEDS-150 . Laser-based CIWS systems are being researched. In August 2014 an operational prototype was deployed to the Persian Gulf aboard USS  Ponce . The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey ( Turkish : Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu , TÜBİTAK)

3248-497: Was determined that further work was required to improve performance and reliability. Subsequently, the Phalanx Operational Suitability Model successfully completed its Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) on board the destroyer USS  Bigelow in 1977. The model exceeded operational maintenance, reliability, and availability specifications. Another evaluation successfully followed, and

3306-470: Was set up to protect forward operating bases and other high-value sites in and around the capital, Baghdad . Israel purchased a single system for testing purposes, and was reported to have considered buying the system to counter rocket attacks and defend point military installations. However, the swift and effective development and performance of Israel's indigenous Iron dome system has ruled out any purchase or deployment of Centurion. Each system consists of

3364-531: Was towing a radar target during gunnery exercises about 1,500 mi (2,400 km) west of the main Hawaiian island of Oahu . The Asagiri -class destroyer JDS  Yūgiri locked onto the Intruder instead of the target, or tracked up the tow cable after acquiring the towed target. The aircraft's two-man crew ejected safely. A post-accident investigation concluded that Yūgiri ' s gunnery officer gave

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