Babcock to Test Phalanx 1B CIWS on HMS Daring

Babcock is to set the first Phalanx 1B close-in weapons system (CIWS) to work following a successful installation on the UK Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer, HMS Daring.

The Phalanx 1B CIWS installation will take two weeks followed by six weeks of naval weapon sea trial (NWST) testing including a towed target firing.

The weapon system is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20mm Gatling gun system fitted with a side-mounted forward-looking infrared camera (FLIR) to defend against surface targets, anti-ship missiles and slow air targets.

The company has also installed two upgraded systems on Type 42 destroyer HMS York and on fleet replenishment ship RFA Fort Victoria.

The Type 45 destroyers are equipped with a comprehensive suite of weapons and equipment including the principal anti-air missile system (PAAMS), the 4.5in mk8 mod 1 gun system and the surface ship torpedo defence system.

Babcock is also under a ten-year support contract for the 36 Phalanx systems in addition to providing the 1B upgrade installations.