Phalanx CIWS

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|DLG-10|6}} in 1973 and it 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|DD-942|6}} in 1977.{{cite web |first= Tony |last= DiGiulian |url=http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_Phalanx.php |title=USA 20 mm Phalanx Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) |publisher=NavWeaps.com |date=5 March 2018 |access-date=28 July 2020}} The model exceeded operational maintenance, reliability, and availability specifications. Another evaluation successfully followed, and 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|CV-43|6}} in 1980. The Navy began placing CIWS systems on non-combatant vessels in 1984.

File:USS King (DLG-10) with Phalanx CIWS prototype in 1973.jpg

File:US Navy 101027-N-8913A-252 Rounds from a Mk-15 Phalanx Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) from the guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) impact.jpg during a sinking exercise]]

File:CIWS Radar.jpg

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 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 is ideal for support ships, which lack integrated targeting systems and generally have limited sensors. The entire unit has a mass between {{cvt|12400|to|13500|lb}}.{{Cn|date=April 2024}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Phalanx_Has_A_Future_999.html |title= Phalanx Has a Future |last= Sieff |first= Martin |website=Spacewar.com |date= November 3, 2006 |access-date= October 2, 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://home.mytelus.com/telusen/portal/NewsChannel.aspx?CatID=National&ArticleID=news/capfeed/national/n111837A.xml |title=TELUS, news, headlines, stories, breaking, canada, canadian, national |publisher=Home.mytelus.com |access-date=2010-04-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714144716/http://home.mytelus.com/telusen/portal/NewsChannel.aspx?CatID=National&ArticleID=news%2Fcapfeed%2Fnational%2Fn111837A.xml |archive-date=2011-07-14 }}

The Phalanx system has been developed through several configurations. The basic (original) 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 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/phalanx/ |title=Raytheon Company: Phalanx |publisher=Raytheon.com |access-date=2010-04-13}} 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 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 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 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.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20131217204500/http://defensetech.org/2013/08/21/navy-overhauls-phalanx-ship-defense-weapon/ Navy Overhauls Phalanx Ship Defense Weapon]}} – Defensetech.org, 21 August 2013 The Block 1B is also used by other navies, such as Canada, Portugal, Japan, Egypt, Bahrain, and the UK.{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=149999&TICK=RTN&STORY=/www/story/04-19-2006/0004342799&EDATE=Apr+19,+2006 |title=Raytheon Awarded Phalanx 1B Upgrade Order for Royal Navy |publisher=Prnewswire.com |access-date=2010-04-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901031737/http://www2.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=149999&TICK=RTN&STORY=%2Fwww%2Fstory%2F04-19-2006%2F0004342799&EDATE=Apr+19%2C+2006 |archive-date=2010-09-01 |url-status=dead }}

File:CIWS Test USN.ogv

In April 2017, Raytheon tested a new electric gun for the Phalanx allowing 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 {{cvt|180|lb}} while increasing reliability and reducing operating costs.[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-electric-gun-for-phalanx-close-in-weapon-system-passes-first-test-300434415.html New electric gun for Phalanx® Close-In Weapon System passes first test] – PRNewswire.com, 4 April 2017

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 the range of modern ASMs, from {{convert|1|to|5|nmi|km|0}}. 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{{nbsp}}V AC three-phase electric power at 60{{nbsp}}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{{nbsp}}V AC for 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.{{Cn|date=April 2024}}

The CIWS has two antennas that work together to engage targets. The first antenna, for searching, 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 the target and then hands the target over to the tracking antenna at around {{convert|4.5|nmi|km|0}}. 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 {{convert|1|nmi|km|0}} or recommends fire to the operator. While firing 75 rounds per second, the system tracks outgoing rounds and 'walks' them onto the target.{{cite web |title=Last ditch defence – the Phalanx close-in weapon system in focus {{!}} Navy Lookout |url=https://www.navylookout.com/last-ditch-defence-the-phalanx-close-in-weapon-system-in-focus/ |website=www.navylookout.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210619100156/https://www.navylookout.com/last-ditch-defence-the-phalanx-close-in-weapon-system-in-focus/ |archive-date=June 19, 2021 |date=August 10, 2020 |url-status=live}}

File:Phalanx CIWS Tungsten Upload.jpg (left).]]

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 a rate of 4,500 rounds per minute with a 1,550-round magazine. The velocity of the rounds fired is about {{convert|3600|ft/s|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 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 {{cvt|15|mm}} penetrator encased in a plastic sabot and a lightweight metal pusher.{{cite web|url=http://www.military.ir/gallery/albums/userpics/CIWS_article.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.military.ir/gallery/albums/userpics/CIWS_article.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|title=CIWS: The Last Ditch Defense}} Rounds fired by the Phalanx cost around $30 each and the gun typically fires 100 or more when engaging a target.{{Cn|date=April 2024}}

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. {{Citation needed|date=November 2022}} These criteria include:

File:CIWS LCP.jpg

1. Is the range of the target increasing or decreasing in relation to the ship? The CIWS search radar sees contacts that are out-bound and discards them. The CIWS engages a target only if it is approaching the ship.
2. Is the contact capable of maneuvering to hit the ship? If a contact is not heading directly at the ship, the CIWS looks at its heading in relation to the ship and its velocity. It then decides if the contact can still perform a maneuver to hit the ship.
3. Is the contact traveling between the minimum and maximum velocities? The CIWS has the ability to engage targets that travel in a wide range of speeds; however, it is not an infinitely wide range. The system has a target maximum-velocity limit. If a target exceeds this velocity, the CIWS does not engage it. It also has a target minimum-velocity limit, and does not engage any contact below that velocity. The operator can adjust the minimum and maximum limits within the limits of the system.

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 a technician to maintain, operate, and repair the CIWS.{{Cn|date=April 2024}}

On 10 February 1983, {{USS|Antrim|FFG-20|6}} 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 the drone's residual fuel and killing a civilian instructor aboard the ship.

On 13 October 1989, {{USS|El Paso|LKA-117|6}} 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|LPH-2|6}}, killing one officer and injuring a petty officer.{{cite web |last=Plunkett |first=A.J. |url=https://www.dailypress.com/1989/10/12/iwo-jima-officer-killed-in-firing-exercise/ |title=Iwo Jima Officer Killed In Firing Exercise |publisher=Daily Press |date=October 12, 1989 |access-date=2013-08-16 |archive-date=2013-10-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021113525/http://articles.dailypress.com/1989-10-12/news/8910120238_1_iwo-jima-ship-close-in-weapons-system |url-status=live }}

File:USS Stark.jpg

{{see also|USS Stark (FFG-31)#Missile attack}}

On 17 May 1987, during the Iran–Iraq War, which the US was observing as a non-combatant, an Iraqi Dassault Mirage F1 fighter[https://web.archive.org/web/20120323222902/http://www.dod.gov/pubs/foi/operation_and_plans/USS_Liberty_Pueblo_Stark/65rev.pdf Formal Investigation into the Circumstances Surrounding the Attack of the USS Stark in 1987] fired two Exocet missiles at what was deemed to be a suitable target, but was the American frigate {{USS|Stark|FFG-31|6}}.

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 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.{{cite web |url= https://www.jag.navy.mil/library/investigations/USS%20STARK%20BASIC.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.jag.navy.mil/library/investigations/USS%20STARK%20BASIC.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=dead |title= DOD Letter, Subject: Formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack on the USS Stark (FFG-31) on 17 May 1987 |date= 3 September 1987 |access-date= 28 July 2020}}

On 25 February 1991, during the first Gulf War, the Phalanx-equipped frigate {{USS|Jarrett|FFG-33|6}} was a few miles from the U.S. Navy battleship {{USS|Missouri|BB-63|6}} and the Royal Navy destroyer {{HMS|Gloucester|D96|6}}. An Iraqi missile battery fired two Silkworm anti-ship missiles (often referred to as 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, {{convert|2|to|3|nmi|km|0}} from Jarrett at the time. There were no injuries on Missouri, and the Iraqi missiles were destroyed by Sea Dart missiles fired by Gloucester.{{cite web |url=http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/du_ii/du_ii_tabh.htm |title=Tab-H Friendly-fire Incidents |publisher=Gulflink.osd.mil |access-date=2010-04-13 |archive-date=2013-06-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601053948/http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/du_ii/du_ii_tabh.htm |url-status=dead }}

On May 5, 1994, 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 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0311/ML031120295.pdf |title=Nuclear Regulatory Commission Preliminary Notification of Event or Unusual Occurrence |access-date=2024-01-22 |archive-date=2021-09-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909014401/https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0311/ML031120295.pdf }}{{cite web |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/l/lake-erie-cg-70/1994.pdf |title=Department of the Navy USS Lake Erie (CG 70) Command History 1994 |access-date=2024-01-22 |archive-date=2023-05-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516143856/https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/l/lake-erie-cg-70/1994.pdf }}{{cite web |url=https://www.dmzhawaii.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/navy-foia-response.pdf |title=Naval Message Date/Time/Group 132025Z Jul 94 |access-date=2024-01-22 |archive-date=2020-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020155949/https://www.dmzhawaii.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/navy-foia-response.pdf }}

File:JS Makinami (DD-112) Phalanx CIWS.jpg

On 4 June 1996, a Phalanx operated by the JMSDF accidentally shot down a US A-6 Intruder from the aircraft carrier {{USS|Independence|CV-62|6}} that was towing a radar target during gunnery exercises about {{cvt|1500|mi}} west of the main Hawaiian island of Oahu. The {{sclass|Asagiri|destroyer|1}} {{ship|JDS|Yūgiri|DD-153|6}} 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.Cable News Network. [http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9606/04/japan.vessel/ Japan apologizes for gunning down U.S. plane] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208160400/http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9606/04/japan.vessel/ |date=2008-02-08 }}. June 4, 1996. A post-accident investigation concluded that Yūgiri{{'}}s gunnery officer gave the order to fire before the A-6 was out of the CIWS engagement envelope.The Virginian-Pilot. [http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/VA-Pilot/issues/1996/vp961024/10240334.htm Human Error Cited In Downing Of Navy Plane By Japanese] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015120203/http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/VA-Pilot/issues/1996/vp961024/10240334.htm |date=2007-10-15 }}. October 24, 1996.{{cite web|url=https://archive.defense.gov/Transcripts/Transcript.aspx?TranscriptID=527|title=Transcript of the DoD investigation of the incident}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

{{Main articles|Red Sea crisis}}

On 30 January 2024, Houthis fired an anti-ship cruise missile toward the Red Sea. The missile came within a mile of the {{Sclass|Arleigh Burke|destroyer|1}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Altman |first=Howard |date=31 January 2024 |title=Phalanx CIWS Downs Houthi Missile Dangerously Close To Destroyer: Report |url=https://www.twz.com/news-features/phalanx-ciws-downs-houthi-missile-dangerously-close-to-destroyer-report |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=The War Zone}} No damage or injuries were reported.{{Cite web |last1=Liebermann |first1=Oren |last2=Bertrand |first2=Natasha |date=31 January 2024 |title=US warship had close call with Houthi missile in Red Sea |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/31/politics/us-warship-close-call-houthi-missile/index.html |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=CNN}}{{Cite web |last1=Sherman |first1=Ella |last2=Epstein |first2=Jake |date=31 January 2024 |title=A Houthi missile got so close to a US destroyer the warship turned to a last resort gun system to shoot it down: report |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/houthi-missile-close-us-warship-close-in-weapon-system-2024-1 |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Business Insider}}

{{See also|Centurion C-RAM}}

File:C-RAM 3.JPG

Seeking 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.{{cite web |url=http://defense-update.com/newscast/0508/news/news2105_c_ram.htm |title=Army C-RAM Intercepts 100th Mortar Bomb in Iraq |publisher=Defense-update.com |date=2007-06-07 |access-date=2010-04-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231120809/http://defense-update.com/newscast/0508/news/news2105_c_ram.htm |archive-date=2009-12-31 |url-status=dead }} 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,{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.navytimes.com/legacy/new/0-NAVYPAPER-910768.php |title=Navy News, news from Iraq |publisher=Navy Times |date=2005-06-27 |access-date=2010-04-13}} with a proof-of-concept test in November that same year. Deployment to Iraq began in 2005,{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/First+C-RAM+joint+intercept+battery+organizes+for+combat.-a0193035939 |title=First C-RAM joint intercept battery organizes for combat. – Free Online Library |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |access-date=2010-04-13 |archive-date=2012-10-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013134852/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/First+C-RAM+joint+intercept+battery+organizes+for+combat.-a0193035939 |url-status=dead }} where it was set up to protect forward operating bases and other high-value sites in and around the capital, Baghdad.{{cite journal |url=http://www.timripley.co.uk/articles/jdw_uk_deploys_c_ram.pdf |title=UK deploys Phalanx C-RAM system to protect forces in Iraq|first=Tim|last=Ripley|journal=Jane's Defence Weekly|date=25 May 2007|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128200002/http://www.timripley.co.uk/articles/jdw_uk_deploys_c_ram.pdf |archive-date=2010-11-28 }} Israel purchased a single system for testing purposes, and was reported{{cite web|url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/BMD_Focus_Barak_dithered_on_Phalanx_999.html |title=BMD Focus: Barak dithered on Phalanx |publisher=Spacewar.com |access-date=2010-04-13}} 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 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.[http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1196847389509&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FPrinter "Israel may buy rapid-fire cannon" Jerusalem Post Dec 20, 2007 ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713122126/http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1196847389509&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FPrinter |date=July 13, 2011 }} 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 the systems, most of them involving mortars. Based on the success of Centurion, 23 additional systems were ordered in September 2008.[http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/09/navy_ciws_091508w/ Analyst: DDGs without CIWS vulnerable]. Navy Times. September 16, 2008

Like the naval (1B) version, Centurion uses Ku-band radar and FLIR[http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/rtnwcm/groups/rms/documents/content/rtn_rms_ps_phalanx_datasheet.pdf]{{dead link|date=August 2012}}{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMFzlwzFgKw | title=This is America's C-RAM Weapon System | website=YouTube | date=17 March 2021 }} 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 a {{cvt|0.5|mi2|km2}} area.{{cite web|author=23-Apr-2009 13:20 EDT |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/a-laser-phalanx-03783/ |title=A Laser Phalanx? |publisher=Defenseindustrydaily.com |date=2009-04-23 |access-date=2010-04-13}} 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/RAM082709.xml&headline=Counter-RAM%20Systems%20Target%20Rockets |title=Counter-RAM Systems Target Rockets |publisher=Aviation Week |date=2009-08-27 |access-date=2010-04-13 }}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} These rounds explode if they impact a target, but if they miss they self-destruct on tracer burnout, greatly reducing the risk of collateral damage from misses.

File:Phalanx CIWS and Bofors 40mm L70 Gun aboard on ROCN Di Hua (PFG-1206) 20151024.jpg Di Hua (PFG-1206)]]

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{{AUS}}{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/Ship-Air-Defense-Systems/Mk-15-Phalanx-Block-0_a001641001.aspx |title=Mk 15 Phalanx Block 0 / CIWS, Close-In Weapon System |publisher=Deagel.com |date=2010-03-07 |access-date=2010-04-13}}{{Cite web |date=2019-07-01 |title=Phalanx Close-In Weapons System Block Upgrade |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/defence-activities/projects/phalanx-close-weapons-system-block-upgrade |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=defence.gov.au |publisher=Department of Defence |language=EN |publication-place=Canberra}}

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• {{sclass|Hobart|destroyer|2}}
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• {{sclass|Protecteur|auxiliary vessel|2}}

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• {{sclass|Adelaide|frigate|2}}

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• {{sclass|Condell|frigate|2}}

{{EGY}}{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/Ship-Air-Defense-Systems/Mk-15-Phalanx-Block-1B_a001641003.aspx |title=Mk 15 Phalanx Block 1B / CIWS, Close-In Weapon System |publisher=Deagel.com |access-date=2010-04-13}}

• {{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate|2}}
• {{sclass|Knox|frigate|2}}
• Ambassador MK III missile boat

{{GRC}}{{cite web |date=2002-03-24 |title=World Navies Today: india |url=http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/europe/greece.htm |access-date=2010-04-13 |publisher=Hazegray.org}}

• {{sclass|Hydra|frigate|2}}
• {{sclass|Elli|frigate|2}}
• {{sclass|Etna|replenishment oiler|2}}

{{IND}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Ships/Active/167-ins-jalashwa.html |title=INS Jalashwa |publisher=bharat-rakshak.com |access-date=2015-04-16}}

• {{sclass|Austin|amphibious transport dock|2}}

{{ISR}}

• {{sclass|Sa'ar 5|corvette|2}}
• {{sclass|Sa'ar 4.5|missile boat|2}}

{{JPN}}

• {{sclass|Izumo|helicopter destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Hyuga|helicopter destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Osumi|tank landing ship|2}}
• {{sclass|Maya|destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Kongo|destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Atago|destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Hatakaze|destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Asahi|destroyer|2}}
• Akizuki-class destroyer
• {{sclass|Takanami|destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Murasame|destroyer|2||1994}}
• {{sclass|Asagiri|destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Abukuma|destroyer escort|2}}

{{MEX}}{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/mexico-buys-israeli-missile-ships-helicopters-for-90-million-1.109519 |title=Mexico Missile Boats |publisher=HAARETZ.com |date=2003-12-23 |access-date=2013-04-10}}

• {{sclass|Knox|frigate|2}}
• {{sclass|Sa'ar 4.5|missile boat|2}}

{{NZL}}

• {{sclass|Anzac|frigate|2}}
• HMNZS Aotearoa

{{PAK}}

• {{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate|2}}
• PNS Moawin (A39)
• Type 905 replenishment tanker
• Yarmook-class corvette

{{POL}}

• {{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate|2}}

{{PRT}}

• {{sclass|Vasco da Gama|frigate|2}}

{{SAU}}

• {{sclass|Badr|corvette|2}}
• {{sclass|Al Sadiq|patrol ship|2}}

{{flag|South Korea}}{{cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2014-news/february-2014-navy-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-security-global-news/1593-raytheon-to-deliver-9-phalanx-ciws-to-republic-of-korea-navy.html |title=Raytheon to deliver 9 Phalanx CIWS to Republic of Korea Navy |date=February 25, 2014}}

• {{sclass|Daegu|frigate|2}}
• {{sclass|Incheon|frigate|2}}
• {{sclass|Dokdo|amphibious assault ship|2}}
• {{sclass|Soyang AOE-II|Fast combat support ship|2}}

{{THA}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/asiapac/thailand.htm |title=World Navies Today: Thailand |publisher=Hazegray.org |date=2002-03-25 |access-date=2010-04-13}}

• Bhumibol Adulyadej-class frigate

{{TUR}}

• {{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate|2}}
• TCG Anadolu LHD
• Bayraktar-class tank landing ship
• {{sclass|Akar|replenishment oiler|2}}

{{TWN}} (13 sets MK15 Phalanx Block 1B Baseline 2, 8 set 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){{cite web|url=http://www.storm.mg/article/186205|title=凱子軍購？海軍先斬後奏買方陣快砲 價格比英、韓貴1倍-風傳媒|last=Storm.mg|date=7 November 2016}}

• {{sclass|Kidd|destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Kang Ding|frigate|2}}
• {{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate|2}}
• {{sclass|Knox|frigate|2}}
• {{sclass|Anchorage|dock landing ship|2}}
• {{sclass|Newport|tank landing ship|2}}
• {{sclass|Pan Shi|fast combat support ship|2}}
• {{sclass|Yushan|landing platform dock|2}}[https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2021/04/13/taiwan-launches-new-amphibious-vessel-with-anti-ship-missiles/ Defense News]
• {{sclass|Tuo Chiang|corvette|2}}

{{GBR}}

• {{sclass|Queen Elizabeth|aircraft carrier|2}}
• {{sclass|Albion|landing platform dock|2}}
• {{sclass2|Bay|landing ship|2}}
• Type 45 destroyer
• Type 26 frigate
• {{sclass2|Tide|tanker|2}}
• {{sclass2|Wave|tanker|2}}

{{USA}}

• {{sclass|Gerald R. Ford|aircraft carrier|2}}
• {{sclass|Nimitz|aircraft carrier|2}}
• {{sclass|America|amphibious assault ship|2}}
• {{sclass|Wasp|amphibious assault ship|2}}
• {{sclass|Whidbey Island|dock landing ship|2}}
• {{sclass|Harpers Ferry|dock landing ship|2}}
• {{sclass|Ticonderoga|cruiser|2}}
• {{sclass|Arleigh Burke|destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Legend|cutter|2}}
• {{sclass|Hamilton|cutter|2}}

{{AUS}}

• {{sclass|Adelaide|frigate|2}}
• {{sclass|Perth|destroyer|2}}

{{CAN}}

• {{sclass|Protecteur|replenishment oiler|2}}
• {{sclass|Iroquois|destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Restigouche|destroyer|2}} (Gulf War upgrades)

{{JPN}}

• {{sclass|Haruna|destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Shirane|destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Tachikaze|destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Hatsuyuki|destroyer|2}}

{{MYS}}

• KD Sri Inderapura

{{NZL}}

• {{sclass|Leander|frigate|2}}

{{PAK}}

• {{sclass|Tariq|destroyer|2}}

{{THA}}

• {{sclass|Knox|frigate|2}}

{{TWN}}

• {{sclass|Gearing|destroyer|2}}

{{GBR}}

• {{sclass|Invincible|aircraft carrier|2}}
• Type 42 destroyer
• HMS Ocean (L12)
• {{sclass|Fearless|landing platform dock|2}}

{{USA}}

• {{sclass|Oliver Hazard Perry|frigate|2}}
• {{sclass|Knox|frigate|2}}
• {{sclass|Kidd|destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Spruance|destroyer|2}}
• {{sclass|Belknap|cruiser|2}}
• {{sclass|California|cruiser|2}}
• {{sclass|Leahy|cruiser|2}}
• {{sclass|Virginia|cruiser|2}}
• {{sclass|Iowa|battleship|2}}
• {{sclass|Iwo Jima|amphibious assault ship|2}}
• {{sclass|Tarawa|amphibious assault ship|2}}
• {{sclass|Austin|amphibious transport dock|2}}
• {{sclass|Forrestal|aircraft carrier|2}}
• {{sclass|Kitty Hawk|aircraft carrier|2}}
• {{sclass|Midway|aircraft carrier|2}}
• {{sclass|Wichita|replenishment oiler|2}}
• {{sclass|Sacramento|fast combat support ship|2}}
• {{sclass|Anchorage|dock landing ship|2}}
• {{sclass|Newport|tank landing ship|2}}

{{AFG}}{{cite web|title=Afghanistan Anti-Missile System|date=12 July 2021|url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/07/12/afghanistan-anti-missile-system}}

• Hamid Karzai International Airport in the Afghan capital Kabul – Decommissioned following 2021 evacuation from Afghanistan

• Gun: 1× 20 mm M61A2 Vulcan 6-barreled Gatling cannon
• Height: {{cvt|15.5|ft|1}}
• Weight: {{cvt|12500|lb}}, later models {{cvt|13600|lb}}
• Elevation: −25° to +85°
• Muzzle velocity: {{convert|3600|ft/s|abbr=on}}
• Rate of fire: 4,500 rounds/minute
• Maximum burst size: 1000 rounds
• Ammunition capacity: 1,550 rounds
• Radar: Ku band
• Cost: $12 Million{{cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/september/12273-raytheon-to-deliver-four-mk-15-close-in-weapon-systems-to-south-korea.html|title=Raytheon to deliver four Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems to South Korea|date=30 September 2022 |publisher=navyrecognition.com|access-date=2023-03-13}}
• Target Mach: 2.{{cite web|url=https://vz.ru/society/2017/4/17/866694.html |title=ВЗГЛЯД / "Циркон" выходит на рабочую скорость :: Общество |publisher=Vz.ru |date=2017-04-17 |accessdate=2022-02-28}}

• SeaRAM, American system based on the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile with a sensor system based on the Phalanx
• AK-630, Russian CIWS
• Kashtan CIWS, Russian Gun-Missile CIWS
• Goalkeeper CIWS, Dutch CIWS based on the GAU-8 Avenger autocannon
• Aselsan GOKDENIZ, Turkish CIWS
• Meroka CIWS, Spanish navy
• Barak 1, Israel. missile-based
• Type 730 CIWS, Chinese CIWS
• Millenium Gun, Swiss CIWS
• Rheinmetall Sea Snake, German CIWS
• OSU-35K, Polish 35mm CIWS

{{Reflist}}

{{commons|Phalanx CIWS}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20060820113825/http://wrc.navair-rdte.navy.mil/warfighter_enc/weapons/shiplnch/Guns/ciws.htm Official United States Navy Warfighters Encyclopedia CIWS page]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20060613141359/http://www.raytheon.com/products/phalanx/ Raytheon Company Phalanx CIWS product page]

{{Raytheon Company}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Phalanx Ciws}}

Category:Naval anti-aircraft guns

Category:Rotary cannon

Category:Multi-barrel machine guns

Category:Close-in weapon systems

Category:Raytheon Company products

Category:Anti-aircraft guns of the United States

Category:Naval guns of the United States

Category:Military robots

Category:20x102mm

Category:Naval weapons of Australia

Category:Multiple-barrel firearms

Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1980s

Category:Cold War weapons of the United States

sv:M61 Vulcan#Phalanx CIWS