SEA

POWER

(^36) | AsiAn MilitAry review |
Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) are the last line of defence for
ships. While they were originally developed to protect against
anti-ship missiles, the range of threats have evolved over recent
decades, driving changes in CIWS architecture.
by Gerrard Cowan

C

IWS systems are generally
based on a gun in the 20mm
to 35mm range, though
there is considerable variety
within the category. The
armaments themselves have changed
over the years too; for example, missiles
have sometimes been substituted for
guns. One of the best-known CIWS is
Raytheon’s Phalanx family, which has
been in service in various configurations
since 1980. The weapon’s main armament

CLOSE

PROTECTION

is a 20mm radar-guided Gatling gun, and

23 customers use the system worldwide.

There is also a land-based version known

as the Centurion designed for counter-

rocket, artillery and mortar defence,

which is in service with the US Army.

The latest Phalanx iteration is the Pha-

lanx Block-1B Baseline-2, which was first

delivered to the US Navy in September

2009. This configuration improved the
      system’s integral Ku-band (13.4-14/15.7-
      17.7 gigahertz/GHz) fire control radar

and increased reliability, said Rick Mc-

Donnell, director of Raytheon’s close-in

defence solutions programme. Earlier

versions of Phalanx are still in use around

the world, and Raytheon still produces

the Phalanx Block-1B Baseline-1 for inter-

national navies. However, the US Navy

only procures the Phalanx Block-1B Base-

line-2 for its new ships, and offers this to

allies through the US government’s for-

eign military sales programme. Logisti-

cal support including spares and repairs

The Phalanx is one of the best-

known CIWS systems, and

has been in service since the

1980s. The main armament is

a 20mm radar-guided Gatling

gun, and it has 23 customers

around the world.

Raytheon