Article Posted on : - Jun 25, 2014

Phalanx is integrated with the ship's combat system, providing fire control solutions for other weapons systems. Photo: Raytheon.

TUCSON (BNS): The US Navy awarded Raytheon Company a USD115.5 million contract to remanufacture, overhaul and provide upgrades to Phalanx Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS).

The CIWS is an integral element of the Navy's Fleet Defence In-Depth concept and the Ship Self-Defence Programme.

Phalanx is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20 mm gun system that automatically acquires, tracks and destroys enemy threats that have penetrated all other ship defence systems, according to a news release by the company.

Intended to enlarge Phalanx's keep-out range against evolving anti-ship missiles, rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft and other threats, SeaRAM Anti-ship Missile Defence Systems use advanced Phalanx Block 1B sensors and replaces the gun with an 11-round Rolling Airframe Missile guide.

SeaRAM is aboard the Independence-class of the US Navy's Littoral Combat Ships.

Work under the contract, which was signed during the second quarter 2014, is expected to be completed by September 2017.