How does a Phalanx gun work?
Matthew Wilson
Updated on April 03, 2026
Inside the Phalanx. The Phalanx is a close-in weapon system (CIWS) – a largely defensive piece of kit designed to shoot down incoming anti-ship missiles. This tech detects infrared radiation – ie heat signatures – and helps the Phalanx deal out massive damage to enemy ships.
Consequently, how effective is the Phalanx CIWS?
| Phalanx CIWS | |
|---|---|
| Traverse | • 150° from either side of centerline (Rate of traverse: 100°/sec for Block 0 & 115°/sec for Block 1B) |
| Rate of fire | • Block 0/1: 3,000 rounds/minute (50 rounds/second) • Block 1A/1B: 4,500 rounds/minute (75 rounds/second) |
| Muzzle velocity | 3,600 ft/s (1,100 m/s) |
| Effective firing range | Classified |
Secondly, what caliber is the phalanx? The CIWS is a radar guided 20 mm M61 Vulcan Gatling gun autocannon used primarily for defence against anti-ship missiles. It is installed on all U.S. Navy surface combatant ships, and is capable of locking onto incoming missiles and firing 4,500 rounds per minute.
Similarly, you may ask, how much does a Phalanx CIWS cost?
| General Characteristics - Mk-15 Phalanx | |
|---|---|
| Caliber: | 20mm |
| Ammunition: | Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS), Depleted Uranium sub-caliber penetrator. Penetrator changed to Tungsten 1988. |
| Sensors: | Self-contained search and track radar |
| Cost: | $5.6 million |
How many rounds does a sea Wiz shoot?
4,500 rounds