first all-weather, automatic-controlled gun system
designed to provide defense against close-in, sea-
skimming cruise missiles that penetrate outer
defense systems. The main technical achievement
of Phalanx is its closed-loop radar spotting and
tracking ability. With closed-loop spotting, the
fire-control guidance system can simultaneously
locate the threat target and the projectiles of the
Phalanx. It then automatically corrects the aim of
the gun toward the target. The gun fires 20-mm,
high-density penetrating projectiles at 3,000
rounds per minute. The self-contained system can
be readily installed on any ship, from patrol boat
to aircraft carrier.
Figure 1-9.—Phalanx.
1-17
