Phalanx
CIWS – a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20mm Gatling
gun system – is the UK’s primary defence for ships against
the threat of anti-ship missiles. The Phalanx 1B upgrade incorporates
a side-mounted Forward Looking Infra-Red Camera (FLIR) enabling the
CIWS to defend the ship against surface targets and slow air targets
in addition to anti-ship missiles. The 1B configuration is valuable
both in terms of countering the threat from small surface craft in littoral
waters, and to counter forthcoming obsolescence issues.
Babcock is the in-service support provider to the MoD for Phalanx systems
under a long-term availability contract awarded in 2006, managing and
executing all upkeep support activities, including a 24/7 helpdesk for
the Royal Navy, as well as providing logistics support for spares and
repairable units. Additionally the company is under contract to upgrade
16 Phalanx systems to the 1B configuration in an on-going programme.
The latest requirement for four further 1B kits and two conversions
will be delivered under an amendment to the existing support and upgrade
contract. Babcock will procure the Phalanx 1B systems from original
equipment manufacturer Raytheon, and will be undertaking the conversion
of the two land-based Phalanx weapon systems using their own weapons
support engineers. The systems are due to be delivered by March 2014.
Babcock Weapons Business Development manager, Martin Laity, said: “We
are delighted to be applying our expertise and working with Raytheon
to help the MoD and Royal Navy build the Phalanx CIWS capability it
needs. Babcock is already known for our weapon support work for the
UK MoD and our expertise in the assembly, test and setting to work of
naval weapon systems. We hold long term contracts to support the Phalanx
CIWS and 4.5 inch Mk8 Mod1 Gun as well as upgrade contracts, and are
well placed to support the MoD and Royal Navy in meeting this further
Phalanx capability upgrade, and future gun system needs.” |
