Phalanx CIWS SEARAM
Abstract
The MK 15 Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) is a fast reaction, rapid fire, computer controlled radar system utilizing either a 20mm gun (Phalanx) or a SeaRAM weapon system (SeaRAM) to meet its primary mission of providing Anti-Ship Missile (ASM) defense. CIWS fleet population exceeds 220 systems onboard nearly every USN surface combatant. In addition, CIWS continues to be installed on new construction surface ships with life expectancies of 25+ years. Basic system architecture is 20+ years old, hasn't had a significant R&D development effort since the 1990's, and is in need of Technology Refresh in order to avoid hardware obsolescence, maintain/improve reliability, increase capability, and provide affordable spare parts to achieve acceptable Operational Availability for the next 20+ years. Technology Refresh development started in FY 2018 and will be fielded during CIWS overhauls and will consist of three efforts: Electric Gun Drive System (EGDS), Electronics Enclosure Modernization (ELX), and Local Control Station and Remote Control Station (LCS/RCS) Redesign. EGDS will replace the current pneumatic gun drive system that is difficult and costly to maintain with an all-electric drive system. EGDS will reduce maintenance/troubleshooting requirements, reduce support costs, and provide capability increases such as variable firing rates and reduced ammunition expenditures. ELX replaces costly and obsolete 1970's technology circuit card assemblies, servo controllers and electronic drawer backplanes with COTS digital devices, integrated controllers, and efficient power converters. ELX also will provide a reduction in weight of approx 960 lbs and simplified maintainability. LCS/RCS Redesign eliminates expensive obsolete components, decreases maintenance requirements and complexity, increases commonality between the LCS and RCS via open architecture, and simplifies the user operation by reducing Human Machine Interface requirements. In August 2018, CIWS Tech Refresh efforts for ELX and LCS/RCS were postponed outside FYDP; direction was provided to complete EGDS FY18-20. CIWS Tech Refresh efforts cancelled FY21-FY24. SeaRAM CIWS is deployed onboard Rota DDG's in order to provide additional capability to meet emerging threats. Efforts include development, qualification, and testing of software and hardware modifications in order to support fielding on these AEGIS class ships.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2020
- Source ID
- 9081_0604756N_5_1319_PB_2020
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