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The United States Navy Found an Innovative and Extreme Way to Handle Enemy Drones in the Middle of the Ocean Using the Powerful Phalanx Weapon System.
In the last 30 years, war has become increasingly automated, with the growing use of drones of all sizes and shapes. These modern drones can attack, defend, conduct reconnaissance, and perform various other missions with minimal human intervention. This new threat has forced the military, especially the United States Navy, to develop new ways to protect themselves from these enemy drones.
One of the best solutions found to deal with drones is the Phalanx weapon system, also known as CIWS (Close-In Weapon System). This system is typically mounted aboard ships and consists of a powerful 20-millimeter Vulcan gun mounted on a rotating base. It can detect and counter rockets, artillery, mortars, and drone attacks using sophisticated tracking systems and computers.
The Phalanx Can Fire Between 3,000 and 4,500 Rounds Per Minute and Has a Maximum Range of Up to 6,000 Yards
Even before the drone revolution, the Phalanx was already extremely effective against missiles, fast boats, and other threats. The United States Navy has installed the Phalanx system on nearly all classes of surface combat ships.
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Due to the complexity and sophistication of the machines and electronics in the Phalanx system, it needs to be calibrated frequently, which can be done through targeted and non-targeted testing. The Phalanx is capable of engaging a wide range of potential threats with minimal human oversight, typically loaded with tungsten penetrating ammunition, ideal for defense against ships with heavy steel hulls.
Besides the Phalanx, the United States Navy Also Uses the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) for Ship Defense
This lightweight missile, launched from the MK-49 launch system, can reach speeds of over Mach 2 (approximately 1,500 miles per hour) and has an accuracy rate of over 95%, making it ideal for intercepting fast-moving enemy missiles.
To deal with drones on land, the C-RAM (Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar) system was developed, which is essentially the same as the Phalanx used on ships but adapted to protect land targets. It fires tracer incendiary-explosive ammunition that explodes upon hitting the target or when the tracer function runs out, avoiding collateral damage if it does not directly hit the target.
The United States Navy and other armed forces around the world are heavily investing in advanced systems to address the growing threat of drones. With technologies like the Phalanx and C-RAM, they can effectively protect their assets and personnel, whether in the middle of the ocean or on land bases.
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