A close-in weapon system (CIWS/ˈsiːwɪz/SEE-wiz)[1] is a point-defenseweapon system for detecting and destroying short-range incoming missiles and enemy aircraft which have penetrated the outer defenses, typically mounted on a naval ship. Nearly all classes of larger modern warships are equipped with some kind of CIWS device.
There are two types of CIWS systems. A gun-based CIWS usually consists of a combination of radars, computers, and rapid-firing multiple-barrelrotary cannons placed on a rotating turret. Missile-based CIWSs use either infra-red, passive radar/ESM, or semi-active radarterminal guidance to guide missiles to the targeted enemy aircraft or other threats. In some cases, CIWS are used on land to protect military bases. In this case, the CIWS can also protect the base from shell and rocket fire.
Gun systems
A gun-based CIWS usually consists of a combination of radars, computers and rotary or revolver cannon placed on a rotating, automatically aimed gun mount. Examples of gun-based CIWS products in operation are:
Short range: the maximum effective range of gun systems is about 5,000 metres (16,000 ft); systems with lighter projectiles have even shorter range. The expected real-world kill-distance of an incoming anti-ship missile is about 500 m (1,600 ft) or less,[4] still close enough to cause damage to the ship's sensor or communication arrays, or to wound or kill exposed personnel. Thus some CIWS like Russian Kashtan and Pantsir systems are augmented by installing the close range surface-to-air missiles on the same mounting for increased tactical flexibility.
Limited kill probability: even if the missile is hit and damaged, this may not be enough to destroy it entirely or to alter its course. Even in the case of a direct hit, the missile or fragments from it may still impact the intended target, particularly if the final interception distance is short. This is especially true if the gun fires kinetic-energy-only projectiles.[5]
1,050 m (3,440 ft) per second / 1,175 m (3,855 ft) per second
1,100 m (3,600 ft) per second
1,100 m (3,600 ft) per second
1,020 m/s (3,300 ft/s)
FAPDS: 1,440 m/s (4,700 ft/s)
ABM:
1,050 m/s (3,400 ft/s)
Elevation
−13 to +85 degrees
−25 to +85 degrees
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−15 to +85 degrees
−25 to +85 degrees
−25 to +85 degrees
?
−10 to +85 degrees
Speed in elevation
60 degrees per second
100 degrees per second
50 degrees per second
70 degrees per second
115 degrees per second
100 degrees per second
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?
Traverse
360 °
360 °
360 °
360 °
360 °
360 °
360 °
360 °
Speed in traverse
90 degrees per second
100 degrees per second
70 degrees per second
120 degrees per second
115 degrees per second
100 degrees per second
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?
In service
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1980
1989
2003
1980
2007
2019
2022
Missile systems
A missile-based CIWS comprises a combination of radars and computers connected to either a rotating, automatically aimed launcher mount or vertical launching system. Examples of missile-based CIWS in operational service are: