Phalanx Anti Aircraft Gun - The MK 15 Phalanx provides ships protection against incoming missiles and aircraft.[vi] It is composed of six 20mm gun barrels, and fires up to a rate of 4,500 rounds per minute. The Phalanx is also equipped with its own search radar and tracking radar, which allows for the system to work independently of other systems. [vii] The Phalanx is capable of detecting an incoming attack, track the missile or aircraft, and engage the threat automatically
. This provides a faster reaction time to ensure the safety of the vessel. The Phalanx has had several versions throughout its career. The Phalanx CIWS advanced radar-controlled gun system provides superior defense against close-in air and surface threats.
Phalanx Anti Aircraft Gun
The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled, radar-guided gun system designed to defeat anti-ship missiles and other close-in air and surface threats. A self-contained package, Phalanx automatically carries out functions usually performed by multiple systems -- including search, detection, threat evaluation, tracking, engagement, and kill assessment.
Strategic Implications
Phalanx is a 6,200kg, 4.7m tall self-contained unit armed with a single M61 Vulcan six-barreled Gatling cannon. It has an ammunition capacity of 1,5500 rounds and a rate of fire of 4,500 rounds per minute. The estimated cost of a Phalanx unit is estimated at $5.6m.
The Phalanx is a necessity for the U.S. naval ships to enter disputed seas, or seas with a U.S. adversary conducting "Anti-access/area denial" (A2/AD) operations within the territory. A2/AD is an increasing issue in areas such as the South China Sea and the Baltic territories.
Without systems such as the Phalanx, U.S. naval vessels would be vulnerable to cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, or aerial attacks. Having the capability to shoot down incoming threats can give U.S. sailors confidence to maintain the balance of power on the sea.
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