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Phalanx CIWS System

Phalanx CIWS System

Brand: Raytheon Technologies
Category: Naval Warfare Systems
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Displacement N/A
Maximum Speed N/A
Radar Range 5–10 km (tracking)
Vertical Launch Cells (VLS) N/A

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	Phalanx CIWS
Type / Role	Close-In Weapon System (Naval Defense)
Manufacturer	Raytheon Technologies
Country of Origin	United States
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	1980
Unit Cost	$5.5–6 million
Crew	Fully automatic

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	4.7 m (15.5 ft)
Beam (Width)	N/A
Draft	N/A
Displacement	N/A
Hull Material	Mounted on ship deck
Deck Configuration	Modular base mount

3. Performance & Propulsion

Propulsion Type	Electric turret drive
Engine Model	N/A
Power Output	60–80 kW
Maximum Speed	N/A
Range	1–1.5 km (effective)
Endurance	Continuous with power supply

4. Sensors & Radar Systems

Primary Radar	Ku-band search and track radar
Radar Range	5–10 km
Sonar System	N/A
Electro-Optical / IR System	Block 1B FLIR system
Electronic Warfare Suite	Integrated shipboard EW links
Fire Control Radar	Ku-band radar tracker

5. Weapons & Armament

Main Gun	20mm M61A1 Vulcan Gatling gun
Vertical Launch System (VLS) Cells	None
Missiles	Optional (SeaRAM variant)
Anti-Ship Missiles	None
Anti-Submarine Torpedoes	None
Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)	Phalanx Block 1B
Decoy Systems	Compatible with ship systems

6. Aviation & Support

Helicopter Capability	N/A
Hangar Capacity	N/A
UAV Operations	N/A
Flight Deck Size	N/A
Replenishment at Sea	Yes (Ammunition reload)

7. Defensive & Electronic Systems

Countermeasures	Automatic engagement algorithm
ECM / ECCM	Integrated radar filters
Missile Defense System	Short-range interception
Combat Management System	Aegis / Ship CMS integration
Communication Systems	Shipboard data links

8. Operational Information

Service Branch	U.S. Navy, Coast Guard
Primary Operator	USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada
Operational History	Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Red Sea defense
Notable Feature	Autonomous missile interception system

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10

PROS

Fully autonomous radar-guided targeting
Extremely high rate of fire (up to 4,500 rpm)
Proven in multiple combat scenarios
Compact and suitable for most naval vessels
Upgradable with optical and infrared sensors

CONS

Limited range (about 1.5 km effective)
High ammunition usage
Struggles with mass swarm attacks
Requires regular maintenance and calibration
Not designed for hypersonic or ballistic missiles

Phalanx CIWS System: The U.S. Navy’s Last Line of Defense

The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) is the U.S. Navy’s iconic last line of defense against anti-ship missiles, aircraft, and small surface threats. Developed by Raytheon Technologies, this self-contained, rapid-response system ensures shipboard protection against fast-moving aerial and surface targets that penetrate outer defense layers.

Design and Function

Introduced in 1980, the Phalanx CIWS integrates a 20mm M61A1 Vulcan Gatling gun with an advanced radar and tracking suite. It autonomously detects, tracks, and engages incoming targets, firing up to 4,500 rounds per minute with tungsten penetrator rounds. The system’s radar range extends to approximately 5–10 kilometers, giving operators mere seconds to respond to supersonic threats.

The latest Block 1B variant enhances the system with FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) and electro-optical sensors, providing improved tracking accuracy and night operation capabilities. A related variant, SeaRAM, replaces the gun with RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles, combining the Phalanx’s radar with missile-based interception.

Operational Use

The Phalanx CIWS is deployed across nearly all U.S. Navy surface ships, including destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers. It has proven its reliability in real-world operations such as the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and recent Red Sea engagements against drone and missile attacks. Its effectiveness, speed, and automation make it a vital part of modern layered naval defense.

Despite its short engagement range, the Phalanx CIWS offers unmatched last-resort protection when other defense systems are overwhelmed or unavailable — a critical advantage in today’s fast-evolving threat landscape.

Product Title Price in US

The Phalanx CIWS is priced at approximately $5.5–6 million per unit depending on configuration, integration, and system upgrades.

Reviews

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Technology:

8
Performance:

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Maintenance Efficiency:

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Operational Flexibility:

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