View source for Phalanx CIWS

{{Infobox Weapon
| image              = [[File:Phalanx CIWS test fire - 081107-N-5416W-003.jpg|300px]]
| caption            = Phalanx (Block 1a) live fire test, [[USS Monterey (CG-61)]]
| origin             = United States
| type               = [[Close-in weapon system]]
<!-- Type selection -->
| is_ranged          = Yes
| is_bladed          = 
| is_explosive       = Yes
| is_artillery       = Yes
| is_vehicle         = Yes
| is_missile         = 
| is_UK              = 
<!-- Service history -->
| service            = 1980-Present
| used_by            = See [[Phalanx CIWS#Operators|Operators]]
| wars               = 
<!-- Production history -->
| designer           = [[General Dynamics]] (now [[Raytheon]])
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = [[General Dynamics]] (now [[Raytheon]])
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = 1978<ref name="navy.mil">{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2100&tid=800&ct=2 |title=The US Navy - Fact File |publisher=Navy.mil |date=2009-11-09 |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref>
| number             = 
| variants           = 
<!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label         = 
| weight             = {{convert|12500|lb|abbr=on}}, later models {{convert|13600|lb|abbr=on}}   <ref name="navy.mil"/>
| part_length        = 
| width              = 
| height             = 4.7 m
| diameter           = 
| crew               = Automated, with human oversight
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications --> 
| cartridge          = ''Naval'' - [[Armor-piercing shot and shell|Armor-piercing]] [[tungsten]] penetrator rounds with discarding [[sabot]]s. <br /> ''Land'' - [[High explosive incendiary|High-Explosive Incendiary]] [[Tracer ammunition|Tracer]], Self-Destruct.  
| cartridge_weight   = 
| caliber            = 20 mm
| barrels            = 6
| action             = 
| rate               = 3,000-4,500 rounds/minute [Selectable] (50-75 rounds/second).
| velocity           = 1,100 m/s
| range              = 3.6 km <ref name="navweaps">{{cite web|author=Tony DiGiulian |url=http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_Phalanx.htm |title=USA 20 mm Phalanx Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) |publisher=Navweaps.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref>
| max_range          = Classified <ref name="navy.mil"/><ref>{{cite web|author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/systems/mk-15-specs.htm |title=MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |date=2005-04-27 |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref> 
| feed               = 
| sights             = 
<!-- Artillery specifications -->
| breech             = 
| recoil             = 
| carriage           = 
| elevation          = ''Block 0:''  -10 / +80 degrees <br /> ''Block 1:''  -20 / +80 degrees <br /> ''Block 1B:''  -25 / +85 degrees<ref name="navweaps"/>
| traverse           = -150 / +150 degrees<ref name="navweaps" />
<!-- Explosive specifications --> 
| filling            = 
| filling_weight     = 
| detonation         = 
| yield              = 
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
| armour             = 
| primary_armament   = 1 x [[20 mm]] [[M61 Vulcan]] Gatling gun autocannon.<ref name="1987 almanac"/>
| secondary_armament = 
| engine             = 
| engine_power       = 
| pw_ratio           = 
| transmission       = 
| payload_capacity   = 
| suspension         = 
| clearance          = 
| fuel_capacity      = 
| vehicle_range      = 
| speed              = 
| guidance           = Ku-band radar and FLIR<ref>http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/rtnwcm/groups/rms/documents/content/rtn_rms_ps_phalanx_ciws_datash.pdf</ref>
| steering           = 
}}

The '''Phalanx CIWS''' is an [[anti-ship missile]] defense system.  It is a [[close-in weapon system]] (CIWS) and was designed and manufactured by the [[General Dynamics Corporation]], [[Pomona, California|Pomona Division]].<ref name="1987 almanac">Thomas, Vincent C. ''The Almanac of Seapower 1987'' Navy League of the United States (1987) ISBN 0-9610724-8-2 p.191</ref>, now [[Raytheon]]. Consisting of a radar-guided 20mm Gatling gun mounted on a swivelling base, the Phalanx is used by the [[United States Navy]] on every class of surface combat ship, by the [[United States Coast Guard]] aboard its [[Hamilton class cutter|''Hamilton'']] and [[USCG Maritime Security Cutter, Large|''Legend'']] class [[United States Coast Guard Cutter|cutters]] and the navies of 23 allied nations.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}}

A land based variant known as ''C-RAM'' has recently been deployed in a short range missile defense role, to counter incoming [[rocket]]s and [[artillery]] fire.<ref name="murdoconline.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.murdoconline.net/archives/003558.html |title=Murdoc online March 20, 2006 CIWS now does surface targets, too |publisher=Murdoconline.net |date= |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref>

Because of their distinctive barrel-shaped [[radome]] and their automated nature of operation, Phalanx CIWS units are sometimes nicknamed "''[[R2-D2]]''" after the famous [[droid]] from ''[[Star Wars]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Phalanx_Has_A_Future_999.html |title=Spacewar.com |publisher=Spacewar.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://home.mytelus.com/telusen/portal/NewsChannel.aspx?CatID=National&ArticleID=news/capfeed/national/n111837A.xml |title=TELUS, news, headlines, stories, breaking, canada, canadian, national |publisher=Home.mytelus.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref> and in the [[Royal Navy]] as ''[[Dalek]]s'', after the aliens from ''[[Doctor Who]]''.

==History==
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2009}}
Developed as the last line of automated weapons defense (terminal defense or [[point defense]]) against [[anti-ship missile]]s (AShMs), including high-''g'' and maneuvering sea-skimmers, the first system was offered to the U.S. Navy for evaluation on {{USS|King|DDG-41}} in 1973. It was accepted and production started in 1978, the first ship fully fitted out was {{USS|Coral Sea|CV-43}} in 1980. The Navy began placing CIWS systems on non-combatant vessels in 1984.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}}

==Design==
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2009}}
The basis of the system is the [[20 mm caliber|20 mm]] [[M61 Vulcan]] [[Gatling gun]] [[autocannon]], used since the 1960s by the United States military in nearly all fighter aircraft (and one land mounting, the [[M163 VADS]]), linked to a Ku-band [[radar]] system for acquiring and tracking targets. This proven system was combined with a purpose-made mounting, capable of fast elevation and traverse speeds, to track incoming targets. An entirely self-contained unit, the mounting houses the gun, an automated [[fire-control system|fire control system]] and all other major components, enabling it to automatically search for, detect, track, engage and confirm kills using its computer-controlled radar system. Due to this self-contained nature, Phalanx is ideal for support ships which lack integrated targeting systems and generally have limited sensors. The entire unit has a mass between 5,500 and 6,100&nbsp;kg (12,400 to 13,500&nbsp;lb).

===Upgrades===

[[File:Hyuuga 05.JPG|left|thumb|Block 1B Phalanx, displaying the FLIR and improved barrel]] Due to the continuing evolution of both threats and computer technology, the Phalanx system has, like most military systems, been developed through a number of different configurations. The basic (original) style is the Block 0, equipped with first generation solid state electronics and with marginal capability against  surface targets. The Block 1 (1988) upgrade offered various improvements in radar, ammunition, rate of fire, increasing engagement elevation to +70 degrees, and computing. These improvements were intended to increase the system's capability against emerging Soviet (?) supersonic anti-ship missiles. Block 1A introduced a new computer system to counter more maneuverable targets. The Block 1B PSuM (Phalanx Surface Mode, 1999) adds a [[forward looking infrared]] (FLIR) sensor to allow the weapon to be used against surface targets.<ref name="raytheon.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/phalanx/ |title=Raytheon Company: Phalanx |publisher=Raytheon.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref> This addition was developed to provide ship defense against small vessel threats and other "floaters" in [[littoral zone|littoral]] waters and to improve the weapon's performance against slower low-flying aircraft. The FLIR's capability is also of use against low-observability missiles and can be linked with the [[RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile]] (RAM) system to increase RAM engagement range and accuracy. The Block 1B also allows for an operator to visually identify and target threats.<ref name="raytheon.com"/>

The U.S. is in the process of upgrading all their Phalanx systems to the Block 1B configuration. The Block 1B is also used by other navies such as [[Canadian Forces Maritime Command|Canada]], [[Vasco da Gama class frigate|Portugal]], [[Japan Self-Defense Forces|Japan]], [[Military of Egypt|Egypt]], [[Military of Bahrain|Bahrain]] and the [[Royal Navy|UK]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=149999&TICK=RTN&STORY=/www/story/04-19-2006/0004342799&EDATE=Apr+19,+2006 |title=Raytheon Awarded Phalanx 1B Upgrade Order for Royal Navy |publisher=Prnewswire.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref>

In May 2009 the US Navy awarded a $260 million contract to [[Raytheon Missile Systems]] to perform upgrades and other work on the Phalanx.  The work is to be completed by September 2012.<ref>''[[Arizona Daily Star]]'', May 16, 2009. [http://azstarnet.com/business/local/article_e2b964b4-65ce-5551-86c7-c3208a468c52.html?mode=story "Navy Awards $260 Million In Additional Work On Ship Weapons System To Raytheon"]</ref>

==Operation==

{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2009}}

The CIWS is designed to be the last line of defense against anti-ship missiles.  Due to its design criteria its effective range is very short relative to the range of modern ASMs, from 1 to {{convert|5|nmi|km|0}}. The gun mount moves at a very high speed and with great precision.  The system takes minimal inputs from the ship, making it capable of functioning despite potential damage to the ship.  The only inputs required for operation are 440 [[volt|V]] [[alternating current|AC]] at 60 [[Hertz|Hz]] and water for electronics cooling.  For full operation including some non-essential functions, it also has inputs for true compass ship's heading and 115 V AC for the PASS and tape drive subsystems. 

[[Image:CIWS Radar.jpg|thumb|left|A technician checks the RADAR transmitter and microwave assemblies of a Phalanx CIWS, most likely a Block 0. The search radar can be seen at the top with the vertical, orange-peel shaped, tracking radar below it.]]

===Radar subsystems===
The CIWS has two antennas that work together to engage targets.  The first antenna, for searching, is located inside the radome on the weapon control group (top of the white-painted portion).  The search subsystem provides bearing, range, velocity, heading, and altitude information of potential targets to the CIWS computer.  This information is analyzed to determine whether the detected object should be engaged by the CIWS system.  Once the computer identifies a valid target (see details below), the mount moves to face the target and then hands the target over to the track antenna.  The track antenna is extremely precise, but views a much smaller area.  The tracking subsystem observes the target until the computer determines that the probability of a successful hit is maximized and then, depending on the operator conditions, the system will either fire automatically or will recommend fire to the operator.  While firing, the system tracks outgoing rounds and 'walks' them onto the target.

===Gun and ammunition handling system===
[[Image:Phalanx CIWS Tungsten Upload.jpg|thumb|U.S. Navy sailors load tungsten ammunition (white sabots at right) and off-load [[Military dummy|dummy ammunition]] (left).]]
The Block 0 CIWS mounts (hydraulic driven) fired at a rate of 3,000 rounds per minute and they could only hold 989 rounds in the magazine drum.<ref name="1987 almanac"/>  The Block 1 CIWS mounts (hydraulic) also fired at 3,000 rounds per minute with an extended magazine drum holding 1,550 rounds.  The Block 1A and newer (pneumatic driven) CIWS mounts fire at a rate of 4,500 rounds per minute and also had the larger 1,550 round magazine. The velocity of the rounds once fired is approximately {{convert|3600|ft/s|m/s}}.  The rounds are [[Armor-piercing shot and shell|armor-piercing]] [[tungsten]] penetrator rounds or depleted uranium with discarding [[sabot]]s.  The kinetic projectiles are designed to pierce and explode an incoming missile's warhead. The ammunition handling system has two conveyor belt systems.  The first takes the rounds out of the magazine drum and to the gun; the second takes either the empty shells or non-fired rounds and routes them back to the opposite end of the drum.

===CIWS contact target identification===
The CIWS does not recognize [[identification friend or foe]], also known as IFF.  The CIWS has only the data it collects in real time from the radars to decide if the target is a threat and to engage it.  A contact has to meet multiple criteria for it to be considered a target. Some of the criteria are listed below.
[[Image:CIWS LCP.jpg|thumb|left|A sailor sits at a CIWS Local Control Panel (LCP) during a general quarters drill.]]
# Is the range of the target increasing or decreasing in relation to the ship?  The CIWS search radar will see contacts that are out-bound and discard them.  The CIWS will only engage a target if it is approaching the ship.
# Is the contact capable of maneuvering to hit the ship?  If a contact is not heading directly at the ship, the CIWS looks at its heading in relation to the ship and its velocity.  It then decides if the contact can still perform a maneuver to hit the ship.
# Is the contact traveling between the minimum and maximum velocities?  The CIWS has the ability to engage targets that travel in a wide range of speeds, however it is not an infinitely wide range.  The system has a target maximum velocity limit. If a target exceeds this velocity, the CIWS will not engage it.  It also has a minimum target velocity limit. Any contact below that velocity will not be engaged by the CIWS.  The operator also has the option to adjust the minimum and maximum limits within the limits of the system.

There are many other subsystems which together ensure proper operation, such as environmental control, transmitter, mount movement control, power control and distribution and so on.  It takes 6 to 8 months to train a technician to maintain, operate, and repair the CIWS.

==Phalanx incidents in combat==
[[Image:JDS Yugiri DD-153.jpg|thumb|180px|Japanese destroyer ''Yūgiri'']]
On February 25, 1991, during the first [[Gulf War]], the Phalanx-equipped {{USS|Jarrett|FFG-33}} was a few miles from the {{USS |Missouri|BB-63}} and the destroyer {{HMS|Gloucester|D96}}. The ships were attacked by an [[Iraq]]i [[Silkworm missile]] (often referred to as the ''Seersucker''), at which ''Missouri'' fired its [[Mark 36 SRBOC|SRBOC]] [[chaff (radar countermeasure)|chaff]].  The Phalanx system on ''Jarrett'', operating in the automatic target-acquisition mode, fixed upon ''Missouri'''s chaff, releasing a burst of rounds. From this burst, four rounds hit ''Missouri'' which was two to three miles (about 5&nbsp;km) from ''Jarrett'' at the time. There were no injuries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/du_ii/du_ii_tabh.htm |title=Tab-H Friendly-fire Incidents |publisher=Gulflink.osd.mil |date= |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref>  A [[Sea Dart missile]] was then launched from the ''Gloucester'', which destroyed the Iraqi missile, achieving the first successful engagement of a missile by a missile during combat at sea.
===Accidental downing of US aircraft===
On June 4, 1996, a Japanese Phalanx accidentally shot down a US [[A-6 Intruder]] that was towing a radar target during gunnery exercises.  A Phalanx aboard the [[Asagiri class destroyer]] ''[[Yūgiri]]'' locked onto the Intruder instead of the target.  Both pilots ejected safely.<ref>[[Cable News Network]]. [http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9606/04/japan.vessel/ Japan apologizes for gunning down U.S. plane]. June 4, 1996.</ref> A post-accident investigation concluded that the Yūgiri's gunnery officer gave the order to fire before the A-6 was out of the CIWS engagement envelope.<ref>The Virginian-Pilot. [http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/VA-Pilot/issues/1996/vp961024/10240334.htm Human Error Cited In Downing Of Navy Plane By Japanese]. October 24, 1996.</ref><ref>[http://www.defense.gov/Transcripts/Transcript.aspx?TranscriptID=527  Transcript of the DoD investigation of the incident]</ref>

==21st century==
===Centurion C-RAM===
[[Image:C-RAM 3.JPG|thumb|Centurion C-RAM]]

Seeking a solution to constant rocket and mortar attacks on bases in Iraq, the [[United States Army]] requested a quick-to-field anti-projectile system in May 2004, as part of its [[Counter-RAM|Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar]] initiative.<ref name="defense-update.com">{{cite web|url=http://defense-update.com/newscast/0508/news/news2105_c_ram.htm |title=Army C-RAM Intercepts 100th Mortar Bomb in Iraq |publisher=Defense-update.com |date=2007-06-07 |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref> The end result of this program was 'Centurion'. For all intents and purposes a terrestrial version of the Navy's CIWS, the Centurion was rapidly  developed,<ref name="navytimes.com">{{cite web|author=<!-- POSTERBOARD FRAME --> <!-- OAS_AD('300x250_1'); //--> |url=http://www.navytimes.com/legacy/new/0-NAVYPAPER-910768.php |title=Navy News, news from Iraq |publisher=Navy Times |date=2005-06-27 |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref> with a proof of concept test in November that same year. It began deployment to Iraq in 2005,<ref name="defense-update.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/First+C-RAM+joint+intercept+battery+organizes+for+combat.-a0193035939 |title=First C-RAM joint intercept battery organizes for combat. - Free Online Library |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref> where it was set up to protect forward operating bases and other high-value sites in and around the capital, [[Baghdad]].<ref>http://www.timripley.co.uk/articles/jdw_uk_deploys_c_ram.pdf</ref> Israel has purchased a single system for testing purposes, and is reported<ref name="spacewar.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/BMD_Focus_Barak_dithered_on_Phalanx_999.html |title=BMD Focus: Barak dithered on Phalanx |publisher=Spacewar.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref> to be considering buying the system to counter rocket attacks and defend point military installations, investments made in their own indigenous air defence system, [[Iron Dome]], has provided competition to Centurion.<ref name="spacewar.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Anti-Qassam_Missile_Defense_Part_One_999.html |title=Anti-Qassam Missile Defense Part One |publisher=Spacewar.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref>

Each system uses consisted of a modified Phalanx 1B CIWS, powered by an attached generator and mounted on a trailer for mobility. Armed with a  [[20 mm caliber|20 mm]] [[M61 Vulcan|M61A1]] Gatling gun the unit is capable of firing 1,500 or 2,000 M-246 or M-940 rounds per minute.<ref name="murdoconline.net"/><ref>[http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1196847389509&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FPrinter "Israel may buy rapid-fire cannon" Jerusalem Post Dec 20, 2007 ]</ref> In 2008 there were more than twenty CIWS systems protecting bases in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. A Raytheon spokesman told ''[[Navy Times]]'' that 105 attacks were defeated by the systems, most of those involved mortars. Based on the success of Centurion, 23 additional systems were ordered in September 2008.<ref>[http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/09/navy_ciws_091508w/ Analyst: DDGs without CIWS vulnerable]. ''Navy Times''. September 16, 2008</ref>

Like the naval (1B) version, Centurion uses Ku-band radar and FLIR<ref name="raytheonds">http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/rtnwcm/groups/rms/documents/content/rtn_rms_ps_phalanx_datasheet.pdf</ref> to detect and track incoming projectiles, and is also capable of engaging surface targets, with the system able to reach a -25 degree elevation.<ref name="raytheonds" /> The Centurion is reportedly capable of defending a 1.2&nbsp;km square area.<ref>{{cite web|author=23-Apr-2009 13:20 EDT |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/a-laser-phalanx-03783/ |title=A Laser Phalanx? |publisher=Defenseindustrydaily.com |date=2009-04-23 |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref>  One major difference between the land and sea based variants is the choice of ammunition. Whereas naval Phalanx systems fire [[tungsten]] [[Armor-piercing shot and shell|armor-piercing rounds]], the C-RAM uses the M246 or M940 HEIT-SD ([[High explosive incendiary|High-Explosive Incendiary]] [[Tracer ammunition|Tracer]], Self-Destruct) ammunition, originally developed for the [[M163 VADS|M163 Vulcan Air Defense System]].<ref name="navytimes.com"/><ref name="aviationweek.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/RAM082709.xml&headline=Counter-RAM%20Systems%20Target%20Rockets |title=Counter-RAM Systems Target Rockets |publisher=Aviation Week |date=2009-08-27 |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref> These rounds explode on impact with the target, or upon tracer burnout, thereby greatly reducing the risk of collateral damage, should any rounds fail to hit their target.<ref name="navytimes.com"/><ref name="aviationweek.com"/>

===SeaRam===
[[File:SeaRAM 1.jpg|thumb|SeaRAM]]
Utilising the armament of the [[RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile]], and based on the mounting and targeting systems of the Phalanx, SeaRAM was developed in response to concerns about the performance of gun-based systems against modern, super-sonic sea-skimming anti-ship missiles. Designed as a companion self-defense system to Phalanx,<ref name="SeaRAM datasheet">Raytheon. [http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/rtnwcm/groups/rms/documents/content/rtn_rms_ps_searam_datasheet.pdf SeaRAM datasheet]. (PDF)</ref> the SeaRAM is equipped with an 11 cell RAM launcher, and provides defense at a longer range. Due to the common mounting, SeaRAM inherits the relatively easy installation characteristics of its gun-based sibling, with Raytheon stating that "[SeaRAM] fits the exact
shipboard installation footprint of the Phalanx, uses the same power and requires minimal shipboard modification".<ref name="SeaRAM datasheet"/> Currently in the trial stages, SeaRAM is fitted to the [[Independence class littoral combat ship|Independence Class]] [[Littoral Combat Ship]].<ref name="SeaRAM datasheet"/>

==Operators==

*{{AUS}}<ref name="deagel0">{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/Ship-Air-Defense-Systems/Mk-15-Phalanx-Block-0_a001641001.aspx |title=Mk 15 Phalanx Block 0 / CIWS, Close-In Weapon System |publisher=Deagel.com |date=2010-03-07 |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref>
*{{BHR}}<ref name="deagel0" />
*{{CAN}}<ref name="deagel0" />
*{{EGY}}<ref name="deagel0" />
*{{GRE}}<ref name="hazegray-greece">{{cite web|url=http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/europe/greece.htm |title=World Navies Today: Greece |publisher=Hazegray.org |date=2002-03-24 |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref>
*{{ISR}}<ref name="deagel0" />
*{{JPN}}<ref name="deagel0" />
*{{IND}}<ref name="IndiaPhalanx">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/india/Indian-Navy-to-get-weapon-of-light/Article1-325364.aspx |title=Navy to get weapon of light |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2008-07-21 |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref>
*{{MAS}}<ref name="deagel0" />
*{{MEX}}<ref name="deagel0" />
*{{NZL}}<ref name="deagel0" />
*{{POL}}<ref name="deagel0" />
*{{PAK}}<ref name="deagle1B">{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/Ship-Air-Defense-Systems/Mk-15-Phalanx-Block-1B_a001641003.aspx |title=Mk 15 Phalanx Block 1B / CIWS, Close-In Weapon System |publisher=Deagel.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref>
*{{POR}}<ref name="deagle1B" />
*{{SAU}}<ref name="deagel0" />
*{{SIN}}<ref name="deagel0" />
*{{THA}}<ref name="hazegray-thailand">{{cite web|url=http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/asiapac/thailand.htm |title=World Navies Today: Thailand |publisher=Hazegray.org |date=2002-03-25 |accessdate=2010-04-13}}</ref>
*{{TWN}}<ref name="deagel0" />
*{{USA}}<ref name="deagle1B" />
*{{UK}}<ref name="deagle1B" />

==Specifications==
(For Block 1A/B)
* '''Gun''': [[20 mm]] [[M61 Vulcan]] Gatling gun autocannon.<ref name="1987 almanac"/>
* '''Height''': 4.7 m.
* '''Weight''': {{convert|12500|lb|abbr=on}}, later models {{convert|13600|lb|abbr=on}}   <ref name="navy.mil"/>
* '''Elevation''' +82 to −25 degrees.
* '''Muzzle velocity''': 1,100 m/s.
* '''Rate of fire''': 2,000 rounds/minute.
* '''Maximum burst size''': 1000 rounds.
* '''Ammunition''':  1,550 rounds.
* '''Radar''': [[Ku band]].
* '''100% Kill distance''': 8 miles (10&nbsp;km)
* '''Cost''': $1.5 Million (gun system only - no radar)

== Similar systems ==

* [[AK-630]], Russian CIWS
* [[Kashtan]], Russian CIWS
* [[Goalkeeper CIWS]], Dutch CIWS
* [[Meroka CIWS]], Spanish navy
* [[SeaRAM]], U.S. missile-based CIWS
* [[Type 730 CIWS]], Chinese CIWS

==Notes==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==

{{commons|Phalanx CIWS}}
*[https://wrc.navair-rdte.navy.mil/warfighter_enc/weapons/shiplnch/Guns/ciws.htm Official United States Navy Warfighters Encyclopedia CIWS page]
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/systems/mk-15.htm GlobalSecurity.org fact file]
*[http://www.raytheon.com/products/phalanx/ Raytheon Company Phalanx CIWS product page]
*[http://www.videotiger.com/vids/amazingmilitarydefensiveweapon.wmv Ground based Phalanx in action (video)]

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