How It Works-Amazing Vehicles

The Vertical Launch System (VLS)

is a state-of-the-art multi-missile

launching system. Unlike previous

systems, which could only fi re one specifi c type of

missile, the VLS is modular so a variety of projectiles

can be fi red from the same enclosures. The missiles,

which on the Zumwalt-class destroyers include the

RIM-162 Evolved Seasparrow missile, Anti-Submarine

Rocket (ASROC) and Tactical Tomahawk subsonic

cruise missile, are enclosed in a series of launch cells

within the ship’s hull and, when launched, are fi red

out of the top of the deck. By concealing the missiles

within the ship until needed, the VLS improves the

ship’s overall radar cross-section, making it harder to

detect. Each missile fi red from a VLS cell is of the

guided variety, with a selection of high-explosive

warheads directed to the target by radar or GPS.

Vertical

Launch System

Every battleship built today

comes with a close-in weapon

system, or CIWS, and out of these

systems the Phalanx CIWS is the

leader of the pack. It is a point-defence

weapon designed to attack any target – be that

enemy fi ghter jets or missiles – which has

managed to evade the battleship’s longer-

range offensive weapons with its massive

20mm (0.8in) M61 Vulcan Gatling gun. What

makes it really special though is its advanced

targeting system, which consists of two

independent antennas that work together

to engage a target. The fi rst antenna is

used for searching for the incoming target

and delivers bearing, velocity, range and

altitude information. The second antenna

is then used to track the target on its

approach until it is in fi ring range. As

soon as an incoming target is close

enough, the Phalanx can then

automatically fi re, using a selection of

sensors to guide spent rounds at the

unfortunate target in a split second.

Phalanx CIWS

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Radar

A bulbous tubular radome

encases the Phalanx’s Ku-band

search and gun-laying radar.

The search antenna sweeps for

threats, and once a target is

confi rmed as hostile, the

gun-laying antenna locks on.

Gun

Damage is dealt with a

20mm (0.8in) M61 Vulcan

autocannon. The cannon

has a muzzle velocity of

over 1,100m/s (3,600ft/s)

and an effective range of

up to 3.6km (2.2mi).

Drum

Ammunition for the Gatling

cannon comes courtesy of a large

magazine drum. This dispenser

can feed the cannon at a rate of

over 4,000 rounds per minute.

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© Ian Moores Graphics; Corbis; Gett y; BA E Systems

DID YOU KNOW? The Type 26 frigate is installed with the Phalanx close-in weapon system