POWIP Piece of Work In Progress

20Jul/105

Navy Laser successfully splashes test drone

Splash one!

In a demonstration of the technology which they currently hope to augment, and ultimately replace, the 20 mm gatling gun that is at the heart of the Phalanx CIWS (Close In Weapon System). An outstanding defensive system originally designed to defeat incoming missile threats, and upgraded in recent years to counter small craft and other littoral warfare threats as well, which is sometimes jokingly referred to as R2-D2 because of it's appearance and autonomous operation, CIWS will certainly be even more awesome after integrating the laser. Raytheon has provided a very cool video of the test at the linked site. And for more information on the Phalanx gun, click here.

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  1. Way cool, Barry is going to have to get that technology to our enemies ASAP.

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  2. Even with the blueprints it will take Iran 10 years to build one, sorry Barry.

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  3. I don’t think Iran could build the base Phalanx CIWS at this time.

    And CIWS will be what chews up the Republican Guard’s speedboats if they try to get close enough for any asymmetrical attacks.

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  4. R2D2? The thing looks more like a Dalek bolted to the floor.

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  5. That moniker that sailors awarded it reflects just how long it’s been in service PCahu!

    I mean, when I was flying we still called our life preservers our “Mae Wests”…

    Talk about anachronistic!

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