YUMA, Ariz., Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Raytheon's Mobile Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System proved successful when put through its paces in a multi-service life-fire demonstration.
The demonstration to prove the system's maneuverability, integration and performance was conducted at Yuma Proving Ground and involved the U.S. Army and Navy, as well as Raytheon and Oshkosh.
"We met or exceeded every objective of the demonstration," said Diane Misiak, Raytheon's Close-In Weapon Systems director. "The system successfully tracked, engaged and destroyed nine inert mortars.
"MLPWS also maneuvered more than 28 miles on paved and off-road conditions without any damage to the system. All MLPWS functions were integrated with the HEMTT platform and performed flawlessly."
The MLPWS integrates the combat-proven Centurion Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System on a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck A3. In the MLPWS configuration, Phalanx uses a 20mm M61A1 Gatling gun that fires M-940 self-destruct rounds at a rate of 4,500 shots per minute.
The system features advanced search-and-track radar with closed-loop spotting technology, enabling autonomous target detection and engagement.
Raytheon said the Phalanx can be interfaced with other sensors and systems to provide overarching protection of high-value sites on the ground.
Oshkosh's HEMTT is a series of 10-ton, eight-wheel-drive vehicles designed to provide transport capabilities for resupply of combat vehicles and weapons systems.
