Electric gun for Phalanx tested
Raytheon has successfully tested a new electric gun for the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System, the company announced on 4 April.
The weapon upgrade, which is part of a series of technology refresh projects for Phalanx, will enable soldiers and sailors to fire at varying rates, for more efficient use of ammunition.
Phalanx is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20mm gun system that automatically acquires, tracks and destroys threats as a last line of defence.
The live-fire test was carried out to ensure that 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 180lbs and increasing reliability.
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