The Centurion Weapon System is a land-based Phalanx Weapon system with integration with other protection sensors and systems. This system is designed and manufactured by the American company Raytheon.
Phalanx is a rapid fire computer controlled radar and 20mm gun system that automatically captures, tracks, and destroys enemy threats that have invaded all other ship defense systems. Phalanx was originally designed as a ship-based anti-missile system. The Centurion ™ Weapon System mission is an innovative approach to combat rebel activity by intercepting aerial rockets, cannons, and mortars before impact, reducing the damage that can be caused by it Or eliminate it.
The US Navy protects its fleet from low-flying missiles and other air and ground threats using the same features as the Phalanx 1B Maritime System Point Defense Weapons. A mission was conducted in November 2004, demonstrating its ability to provide unparalleled land-based protection. Phalanx can connect with numerous sensors and systems designed to provide a comprehensive umbrella for terrestrial sites. In 2009, the Raytheon Centurion weapons system was displayed at the DSEI defense exhibition in London, England.
The first C-RAM was sent to Iraq in late 2006 to protect the Green Zone, a large area of Baghdad that became an American base. C-RAM was found to be capable of knocking down 70-80% of rockets and mortars fired within cannon range. In the past two years, Iraq’s Centurion system has intercepted more than 100 rockets or mortar shells aimed at the Green Zone.
Phalanx launches the proven 20 mm M61A1 Gatling Gun and M-246 or M-940 self-destructive ammunition at selectable speeds of 3,000 or 4,500 shots / min, advanced search and closed-loop spotting technology. Provides autonomous target detection and engagement combined with tracking Ku band radar.
Phalanx can connect with numerous sensors and systems designed to provide a comprehensive umbrella for terrestrial sites. Phalanx uses six optimized barrels, with an integrated forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor suite. Locking the six barrels at the muzzle, mid-barrel, and breech provides a tighter firing schedule for a more accurate firing distribution pattern. Block 1B FLIR finds, tracks, and engages threats while providing effective detection, prioritization, and reputation in both day and night environments.
Phalanx has been demonstrated to use Ku-band radar to detect threats early in the flight and only hand over to tracking mode if they are determined to threaten the area protected by the system . Phalanx Block 1B incorporates a thermal imager with auto-acquisition tracking to enhance tracking and engagement. The system operates at a wavelength of 8 to 12 microns and is mounted on a stable pedestal mounted on an existing block 1B truck antenna radome. The system provides reliable day and night passive search and tracking while improving anti-aircraft performance in multipath environments.
Centurion uses target acquisition sensors such as Northrop Grumman’s AN / TPQ-36 short-range Firefinder radar and Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar to detect and track the fired rounds. The fire control subsystem, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, provides C-RAM with modified software from Northrop Grumman’s Forward Area Air Defense Command (FAAD C2) system, which links the sensors and weapons of military short-range air defense battalions.
