Close-in_weapon_system

Close-in weapon system

Close-in weapon system

Type of point-defense weapon system


A close-in weapon system (CIWS /ˈswɪz/ SEE-wiz)[1] is a point-defense weapon system for detecting and destroying short-range incoming missiles and enemy aircraft which have penetrated the outer defenses, typically mounted on a naval ship. Nearly all classes of larger modern warships are equipped with some kind of CIWS device.

Kashtan CIWS

There are two types of CIWS systems. A gun-based CIWS usually consists of a combination of radars, computers, and rapid-firing multiple-barrel rotary cannons placed on a rotating turret. Missile-based CIWSs use either infra-red, passive radar/ESM, or semi-active radar terminal guidance to guide missiles to the targeted enemy aircraft or other threats. In some cases, CIWS are used on land to protect military bases. In this case, the CIWS can also protect the base from shell and rocket fire.

Gun systems

Phalanx CIWS and Aselsan STOP aboard the TCG ship Anadolu

A gun-based CIWS usually consists of a combination of radars, computers and rotary or revolver cannon placed on a rotating, automatically aimed gun mount. Examples of gun-based CIWS products in operation are:

Limitations of gun systems

Short range: the maximum effective range of gun systems is about 5,000 metres (16,000 ft); systems with lighter projectiles have even shorter range. The expected real-world kill-distance of an incoming anti-ship missile is about 500 m (1,600 ft) or less,[4] still close enough to cause damage to the ship's sensor or communication arrays, or to wound or kill exposed personnel. Thus some CIWS like Russian Kashtan and Pantsir systems are augmented by installing the close range surface-to-air missiles on the same mounting for increased tactical flexibility.

Limited kill probability: even if the missile is hit and damaged, this may not be enough to destroy it entirely or to alter its course. Even in the case of a direct hit, the missile or fragments from it may still impact the intended target, particularly if the final interception distance is short. This is especially true if the gun fires kinetic-energy-only projectiles.[5]

Comparison table

More information DARDO, Goalkeeper ...

Missile systems

A missile-based CIWS comprises a combination of radars and computers connected to either a rotating, automatically aimed launcher mount or vertical launching system. Examples of missile-based CIWS in operational service are:

Land-based

CIWS are also used on land in the form of Pantsir and C-RAM.[13] On a smaller scale, active protection systems are used in some tanks (to destroy rocket propelled grenades (RPGs), and several are in development. The Drozd system was deployed on Soviet Naval Infantry tanks in the early 1980s, but later replaced by explosive reactive armour. Other systems that are available or under development are the Russian Arena, Israeli Trophy, American Quick Kill and South African-Swedish LEDS-150.

Laser systems

Laser-based CIWS systems are being researched. In August 2014 an operational prototype was deployed to the Persian Gulf aboard USS Ponce.[14] The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (Turkish: Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu, TÜBİTAK) is the second organisation after the US to have developed and tested a High Power Laser CIWS prototype System which is intended to be used on the TF-2000 class frigate and on Turkish airborne systems.[15][16][17]


References

  1. Friedman, Norman (1991). The Naval Institute guide to world naval weapons systems, 1991/92. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 0870212885. Archived from the original on 14 February 2017. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  2. "Archived copy - Rm-general-news-2008". Archived from the original on 2008-09-23. Retrieved 2008-08-16.
  3. "Millennium, 35 mm Naval Gun System (GDM-008)". Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
  4. Wachsberger, Christian; Lucas, Michael; Krstic, Alexander (June 2004), Limitations of Guns as a Defence against Manoeuvring Air Weapons (PDF), DSTO Systems Sciences Laboratory, p. 36, archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-23, retrieved 2012-07-04
  5. Discovery Channel Discovery Channel Science Top 10 Weapon: Fire Power
  6. Tony DiGiulian. "Italy 40 mm/70 (1.57") Breda". Navweaps.com. Archived from the original on 2015-01-02. Retrieved 2013-05-18.
  7. Dan Petty. "The US Navy - Fact File". Navy.mil. Archived from the original on 2014-11-04. Retrieved 2013-05-18.
  8. "Presidency of Defence Industries". Archived from the original on 2019-11-22. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  9. Insinna, Valerie (2015-02-14). "turkey-laser-weapon-indigenous-tubitak-test". Defensenews.com. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  10. "Turkey creates laser weapon". Times.am. 19 January 2015. Archived from the original on 2016-12-20. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  11. "Turkey aims to second US in using laser as military weapon | General | Worldbulletin News". Worldbulletin.net. 2015-01-19. Archived from the original on 2016-12-13. Retrieved 2016-12-03.

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