Editing Phalanx CIWS (section)

==Centurion C-RAM==
{{See also|Centurion C-RAM}}
[[File:C-RAM 3.JPG|thumb|right|Centurion C-RAM]]

Seeking a solution to continual rocket and mortar attacks on bases in Iraq, the [[U.S. Army]] requested a quick-to-field antiprojectile system in May 2004, as part of its [[Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar|Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar]] initiative.<ref name="defense-update.com">{{cite web |url=http://defense-update.com/newscast/0508/news/news2105_c_ram.htm |title=Army C-RAM Intercepts 100th Mortar Bomb in Iraq |publisher=Defense-update.com |date=2007-06-07 |access-date=2010-04-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231120809/http://defense-update.com/newscast/0508/news/news2105_c_ram.htm |archive-date=2009-12-31 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The result of this program was the "Centurion". For all intents and purposes a terrestrial version of the Navy's CIWS, the Centurion was rapidly developed,<ref name="navytimes.com">{{cite web|author=<!-- POSTERBOARD FRAME --> <!-- OAS_AD('300x250_1'); //--> |url=http://www.navytimes.com/legacy/new/0-NAVYPAPER-910768.php |title=Navy News, news from Iraq |publisher=Navy Times |date=2005-06-27 |access-date=2010-04-13}}</ref> with a proof-of-concept test in November that same year. Deployment to Iraq began in 2005,<ref name="defense-update.com"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/First+C-RAM+joint+intercept+battery+organizes+for+combat.-a0193035939 |title=First C-RAM joint intercept battery organizes for combat. – Free Online Library |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |access-date=2010-04-13 |archive-date=2012-10-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013134852/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/First+C-RAM+joint+intercept+battery+organizes+for+combat.-a0193035939 |url-status=dead }}</ref> where it was set up to protect [[forward operating base]]s and other high-value sites in and around the capital, [[Baghdad]].<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.timripley.co.uk/articles/jdw_uk_deploys_c_ram.pdf |title=UK deploys Phalanx C-RAM system to protect forces in Iraq|first=Tim|last=Ripley|journal=Jane's Defence Weekly|date=25 May 2007|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128200002/http://www.timripley.co.uk/articles/jdw_uk_deploys_c_ram.pdf |archive-date=2010-11-28 }}</ref> Israel purchased a single system for testing purposes, and was reported<ref name="spacewar.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/BMD_Focus_Barak_dithered_on_Phalanx_999.html |title=BMD Focus: Barak dithered on Phalanx |publisher=Spacewar.com |access-date=2010-04-13}}</ref> to have considered buying the system to counter rocket attacks and defend point military installations. However, the swift and effective development and performance of Israel's indigenous [[Iron dome]] system has ruled out any purchase or deployment of Centurion.
Each system consists of a modified Phalanx 1B CIWS, powered by an attached generator and mounted on a trailer for mobility. Including the same [[20 mm caliber|20 mm]] M61A1 Gatling gun, the unit is likewise capable of firing 4,500 20&nbsp;mm rounds per minute.<ref name="murdoconline.net"/><ref>[http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1196847389509&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FPrinter "Israel may buy rapid-fire cannon" Jerusalem Post Dec 20, 2007 ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713122126/http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1196847389509&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FPrinter |date=July 13, 2011 }}</ref> In 2008, there were more than 20 C-RAM systems protecting bases in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. A Raytheon spokesman told the ''[[Navy Times]]'' that 105 attacks were defeated by the systems, most of them involving mortars. Based on the success of Centurion, 23 additional systems were ordered in September 2008.<ref>[http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/09/navy_ciws_091508w/ Analyst: DDGs without CIWS vulnerable]. ''Navy Times''. September 16, 2008</ref>

Like the naval (1B) version, Centurion uses Ku-band radar and [[Forward-looking infrared|FLIR]]<ref name="raytheonds">[http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/rtnwcm/groups/rms/documents/content/rtn_rms_ps_phalanx_datasheet.pdf]{{dead link|date=August 2012}}</ref><ref name=us-military-news-cram>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMFzlwzFgKw | title=This is America's C-RAM Weapon System | website=[[YouTube]] | date=17 March 2021 }}</ref> to detect and track incoming projectiles, and is also capable of engaging surface targets, with the system able to reach a minus-25-degree elevation.<ref name="raytheonds" /> The Centurion is reportedly capable of defending a {{cvt|0.5|mi2|km2}} area.<ref>{{cite web|author=23-Apr-2009 13:20 EDT |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/a-laser-phalanx-03783/ |title=A Laser Phalanx? |publisher=Defenseindustrydaily.com |date=2009-04-23 |access-date=2010-04-13}}</ref> One major difference between the land- and sea-based variants is the choice of ammunition. Whereas naval Phalanx systems fire tungsten armor-piercing rounds, the C-RAM uses the 20&nbsp;mm HEIT-SD ([[High explosive incendiary|High-Explosive Incendiary]] [[Tracer ammunition|Tracer]], Self-Destruct) ammunition, originally developed for the [[M163 VADS|M163 Vulcan Air Defense System]].<ref name="navytimes.com"/><ref name="aviationweek.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/RAM082709.xml&headline=Counter-RAM%20Systems%20Target%20Rockets |title=Counter-RAM Systems Target Rockets |publisher=Aviation Week |date=2009-08-27 |access-date=2010-04-13 }}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> These rounds explode if they impact a target, but if they miss they self-destruct on tracer burnout, greatly reducing the risk of collateral damage from misses.<ref name="navytimes.com"/><ref name="aviationweek.com"/>