Iran to Equip Navy with Homegrown Version of Phalanx CIWS

Tasnim News Agency ^ | May, 07, 2016

[sukhoi-30mki]

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Navy is going to have an indigenized version of the Phalanx, a close-in weapon system (CIWS) on the military vessels used for defense against anti-ship missiles, a top commander said.

Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency, Lieutenant Commander of Iran’s Navy Admiral Gholam Reza Biqam said the country’s Defense Ministry has gotten good results in upgrading the Phalanx firing system.

The Navy will receive the weapon system once the final tests are performed, he explained.

Back in March 2015, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari had unveiled plans for the manufacturing of the homegrown version of Phalanx.

Consisting of a radar-guided Gatling gun mounted on a swiveling base, the Phalanx has been used by multiple Navies around the world, notably by the US Navy on every class of surface combat ship.

Iranian experts have already produced a powerful Gatling gun, dubbed “Moharram”.

The six-barrel weapon is a 50 caliber firearm with the high rate of fire of 2,000-2,500 rounds per minute.

The fast machine gun can also be mounted on a broad range of military vehicles, choppers, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), warships and destroyers.

[Oztrich Boy]

As CIWS go, that’s actually a relatively slow rate of fire. The 50 cal, while a great round, doesn’t go as far or hit as hard as a 20mm or 30mm as is common in other CIWS.

Even 20mm is on the low side for sure one hit kill. Most CIWS favour 30-40mm. Not only heavier but flatter trajectory means greater engagement range