Close-In Weapon System

Phalanx CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and gun system to defeat anti-ship missiles, as well as other close-in surface and air threats. As a self-contained package, Phalanx automatically carries out search, detection, target threat evaluation, tracking, firing and kill assessment. The system's unique defensive capability is based on closed-loop spotting, a radar technology breakthrough. This technique uses advanced radar and computer technology to locate, identify and direct a stream of armor piercing projectiles to the target. The system uses an electrically-controlled, pneumatically-driven 20 mm six-barrel Gatling-type gun capable of firing at a 4,500-rounds-per-minute rate. Initially deployed in 1979, Phalanx is installed on every U.S. combatant ship, as well as the combatant ships of 16 allied nations. The system is currently in production for foreign military sales at Hughes Missile Systems Company's plant site in Tucson, Arizona. Upgrades to existing U.S. and foreign systems are also performed at the plant.

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