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| Science & Technology |
| How to handle small boat swarms |
| 2006-03-20 |
| The question was raised earlier as to how to cope with a swarm attack by 101 Iranian pest boats. This should handle it. The Solution: Raytheon’s Phalanx Block 1B Surface Mode is a complete weapon system to counter threats of today and tomorrow. With an integrated FLIR and operator control panels merged with a proven anti-ship missile defense capability,the Block 1B system is unique in the world.The system has been thoroughly tested in real world scenarios against a variety ofship defense threats and will soon be deploying on U.S. Navy vessels. Optimized Gun Barrels The original M61A1 gun barrels were designed for short bursts and are subject to wear and increased dispersion patterns. The new OGBs are 18 inches longer, substantially thicker and include both a barrel brace and muzzle restraint to improve life expectancy and projectile dispersion patterns.In addition, the optional Enhanced Lethality Cartridge (ELC) will provide a 50 percent increase in penetrator mass. Phalanx FLIR To provide its unique Surface Mode tracking and engagement capability, Phalanx Block 1B incorporates a Thermal Imager with Automatic Acquisition Tracking.The system operates in the 8–12 micron wavelength and is mounted on a stabilized pedestal attached to the existing Phalanx Track Antenna radome. This system provides a reliable day/night passive search and track capability against slow-speed air threats and surface craft,while improving Anti Air Warfare performance in multi-path and glint environmentsvia enhanced angular track accuracy (50–100 microradians) against the high-G maneuvering ASM. Operational Features • Autonomous detect, prioritization, track, engagement and kill assessment ofair targets from wave-top to steeply diving • Day/night detect,identification, track and engagement,and kill assessment ofsurface craft and low-speed aircraft • Remote designation available from other ships’sensors against air and surface targets • Interface and control to provide fire-control and search sensor capability for other shipboard gun and missile systems Phalanx Specifications Gun: M61A1 20-mm cannon Magazine: 1550-round enhanced lethality cartridge Fire Rate: Dual Fire rate,3000 or 4500 spm Electric Power: 3-phase,440 V,60 Hz,18 kW in Search,70 kW in Track Weight: 14,500 lb Search Radar: Ku-band,digital MTI Track Radar: Ku-band,pulse Doppler monopulse E/O Sensor: FLIR Imaging system with Automatic ACQ Tracker Seawater Cooling: 20 gpm,30 psig |
| Posted by:Nimble Spemble |
| #8 Better a Breda or a Bofords 40mm. |
| Posted by: Jogum Spailet6739 2006-03-20 22:21 |
| #7 Heck I'd reinforce the bows of the ships. Nothing like ramming speed to impress someone in the way. |
| Posted by: Whiting Fliger4401 2006-03-20 20:09 |
| #6 The trouble is, they go through a hella lot of ammo in a hurry, designed to throw a curtain of steel up against incoming aircraft and missiles. I doubt they come with a "3-round burst" option. I still like the idea of 5" guns firing Willy Pete with proximity fuses. Talk about a hailstorm in hell. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2006-03-20 20:01 |
| #5 I'll take one, and I'd like an extra Enhanced Lethality Cartridge please. Or two. Can I get a discount for volume orders? |
| Posted by: Steve White 2006-03-20 19:07 |
| #4 Next to complete cultural renovation, this seems to be the ultimate kamikaze defense. |
| Posted by: Ebbinelet Whasing8050 2006-03-20 19:07 |
| #3 Wouldn't drones or choppers with Hellfires do the trick? |
| Posted by: Zhang Fei 2006-03-20 19:01 |
| #2 way smaller http://bkvideos.com/files/*Iraq%20&%20Military%20Stuff/Gatlinggun.wmv |
| Posted by: RD 2006-03-20 18:22 |
| #1 I have GOT to get one of those! |
| Posted by: DarthVader 2006-03-20 18:02 |