Raytheon’s new electric gun for Phalanx Close-In Weapon System

Raytheon have tested a new electric gun for the Phalanx CloseIn Weapon System, the upgrade enabling operators to fire at varying rates. 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 defense systems. The goal of the live-fire test was to ensure the electric gun can operate despite the heavy vibrations that occur when Phalanx is fired. The new design replaces a pneumatic motor, compressor and storage tanks, reducing the system’s weight by 180 pounds. More than 890 systems have been built and deployed in navies around the world.