Raytheon Gets $5.8M Contract Modification for Phalanx CIWS Components (Close-In Weapon System)
May 20, 2009 11:56 UTC by Defense Industry Daily staff
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Raytheon Co. received a $5.8 million contract modification for phalanx simulated infrared/visible engagement target simulator kits with shorting plugs in support of the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) Program. Raytheon will work on the contract in England (80%); Louisville, KY (15%); and Tuscon, AZ (5%); and expects to complete work by January 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command manages the previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5444).
The radar-guided, rapid-firing Mk. 15 Phalanx CIWS (pron. “see-whiz”) can fire between 3,000-4,500 20mm cannon rounds per minute, either autonomously or under manual command, as a last-ditch defense against incoming missiles and other targets. Phalanx uses closed-loop spotting with advanced radar and computer technology to locate, identify and direct a stream of armor piercing projectiles toward the target. Phalanx CIWS is currently installed on approximately 187 USN ships and is in use in 20 foreign navies.
Additional information provided by Raytheon gives more detail about how the Phalanx engagement target simulator works…
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The Phalanx engagement target simulator works with a modified version of the Phalanx software to present the operator with a simulation of surface mode engagements. The engagement processor communicates with the Phalanx processors and creates real-time, high-resolution video that is fed into the video tracker. The new operational code runs the same simulation and creates synthetic radar returns corresponding to the imagery generated by the engagement processor. Most of the surface mode controls and commands are available to the operator, who can run any number of scenarios to practice using the system.
The modified software isolates the simulated engagement from the mount, so the gun does not move or fire during the simulation.
