Raytheon to supply Phalanx air defense system to U.S. Army.

Raytheon Co. Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $205,205,445 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide the land-based Phalanx weapon system to the U.S. Army.

Phalanx air defense system (Picture source: Raytheon)

The Phalanx CIWS is a close-in weapon system initially designed for defense against anti-ship missiles, helicopters, etc. It was designed and manufactured by the General Dynamics Corporation, Pomona Division (now a part of Raytheon). Consisting of a radar-guided 20mm Vulcan cannon mounted on a swiveling base, the Phalanx has been used by multiple navies around the world, notably the U.S. Navy on every class of surface combat ship with the exception of the San Antonio-class LPD, by the British Royal Navy, and by the U.S. Coast Guard aboard its Hamilton and Legend-class cutters. The Phalanx is used by 16 other allied nations.

A land variant, known as the LPWS (Land Phalanx Weapon System), part of the C-RAM system, has recently been deployed in a short range missile defense role, to counter incoming rockets and artillery fire. Because of their distinctive barrel-shaped radome and their automated nature of operation, Phalanx CIWS units are sometimes nicknamed "R2-D2" after the famous droid character from the Star Wars films.

Work locations and funding for the U.S. Army contract will be determined, with an estimated completion date of December 27, 2023. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-19-D-0015). Bids were solicited via the internet with one received.

In a separate award, from the U.S. Navy, Raytheon will provide design agent engineering and technical support services for the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), SeaRAM, and Land-based Phalanx Weapon System, under a $81,311,942 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to exercise an option under a previously-awarded contract. For that contract, the Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity.