Close-In Weapons Systems (CIWS) are effectively the ‘last line of defence’ for naval vessels. CIWS have evolved in recent years as the immediate threats to ships have grown more complex, with new avenues of development in the domain for companies and navies alike.
These weapons are perhaps best known for providing protection against Anti-Ship Missiles (AShMs) and are usually based on a gun in the 20mm to 35mm range. However, there is considerable variety among CIWS, both in terms of the systems themselves and the threats they counter, and the line between them and some other gun systems can easily become blurred. For the US and its NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) allies, one of the best-known CIWSs is Raytheon’s Phalanx family. The Phalanx design has been in service since the 1980s, and is based around a 20mm radar-guided Gatling gun; with the latest iteration of the system known as the Phalanx Block-1B Baseline-2. The US Navy is currently upgrading all its Phalanx systems to this new baseline, with the project set for completion at some point in 2019, said Rick McDonnell, director of close-in defence solutions at Raytheon’s missile systems subsidiary. The major change in the latest upgrade has been a series of performance enhancements to the gun’s radar system, he said. This has worked on a number of levels, including upgrades to the radar signal processing architecture, Mr. McDonnell explained, though he could not go into further detail.
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Armada International.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Armada International.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Best Supporting Actors
The nature of modern day operations means that air strikes are often the primary form of attack used against targets, and traditional battlefields, which generally only involve the two opposing sides but that are away from civilians, reside for now in the history books.
Suits Of Armour
Helicopter armour that protects aircrew members and passengers from small arms fire is a proven requirement driven by recent, and ongoing, conflicts in the Iraq/Syria and central Asian theatres, meanwhile the drive towards lighter armour will continue.
Up Close And Personal
Close-In Weapons Systems (CIWS) are effectively the ‘last line of defence’ for naval vessels. CIWS have evolved in recent years as the immediate threats to ships have grown more complex, with new avenues of development in the domain for companies and navies alike.
Small Targets Present Big Challenges
Counter Insurgency (COIN) campaigns present some of the most demanding missions for military aircraft involved in Close Air Support (CAS). Yet improvements in sensors and weapons are honing the ability of air power to deliver decisive effects in this regard.
Commercial Break
Despite a reduction in US strategic commitments around the world, the commercial Satellite Communications (SATCOM) industry is confident that military demand will increase as countries seek to diversify supply and augment nationally-owned capabilities.
Doctor And The Medics
Responding to emerging requirements in battlefield medicine associated with increases in expeditionary deployments, special forces continue to evolve their practices to safely operate in areas lacking even the most basic support infrastructure.
Wheels And Tracks For The God Of War
Self-Propelled Artillery (SPA) has many inherent advantages over towed artillery. These include its greater tactical mobility, the ability to provide protection to the crew, the carriage of onboard ammunition, and the possibility for automation of all firing functions.
Superiority Complex
The world’s air forces deploy a variety of Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM). This article profiles some of the leading European, Israeli and North American efforts for prosecuting within visual range and beyond visual range engagements.
Over The Ocean
While they are primarily used by air forces, with armies, following closely behind, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming an asset that naval forces are increasingly interested in operating, although the introduction of them comes with a number of challenges.
