The Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS) is an extremely powerful and deadly close-range defense system designed and developed by the United States of America, it is considered as the “last line of defense” against aerial threats, anti-ship missiles, etc.
1) The Phalanx CIWS entered into service with the United States Navy in 1980, since then, the Phalanx short-range super-fast gun system is still an indispensable weapon on American warships.
2) This CIWS system is considered the “last line of defense” to protect american warships when other defenses cannot stop the incoming attack.
3) Phalanx is capable of intercepting a variety of targets, including cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles or rocket artillery shells.
4) It has a simple but very effective structure, with a target search radar mounted on the top, the Phalanx is a battle proven weapon system.
5) The Phalanx cannon is equipped with an electric gun barrel system, completely limiting the recoil when firing.
6) The Phalanx has the rate of fire of 4500 rounds per minute.
7) Phalanx cannon is equipped with a magazine with only 1,550 rounds. Compared to its maximum rate of fire, this system can only fire all rounds in just 15 seconds before having to reload.
8) This system can operate fully automatically from detection to target pursuit, and only requires one person to monitor the operation.
9) The biggest disadvantage of Phalanx is that it needs to be connected to the electrical system to use it. If there is a power failure on the ship, the system will not be able to function.
10) 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 1 to 5 nautical miles (2 to 9 km). The gun mount moves at a very high speed and with great precision.