LPWS

Raytheon

United States

Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System - 20mm Gatling gun system repurposed from naval CIWS for ground-based C-UAS.

System Overview

What It Is

LPWS (Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System) adapts the proven naval Phalanx CIWS for ground-based defense against rockets, artillery, mortars, and drones.

How It Works

The system uses radar to automatically detect and track incoming threats, then engages with high-rate-of-fire 20mm rounds to destroy them.

Primary Capability

Close-in kinetic defense using rapid-fire 20mm cannon against UAS and rockets.

Combat Record / Operational History

Deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for base protection, successfully engaging rockets and mortars.

Overview

LPWS brings the proven Phalanx CIWS capability ashore, providing bases with automatic close-in defense.

Technical Specifications

20mm M61A1 Gatling gun
Rate of fire: 3,000-4,500 rpm
Autonomous tracking radar
Ground-mounted CIWS derivative

Range

Effective Range

2 km

Compatible Platforms

Fixed Site

Ground

Deployed By

US Army

Key Features

Proven Phalanx technology
Automatic engagement
High rate of fire
C-RAM capability

Advantages

Combat proven
Autonomous operation
Effective against diverse threats

Limitations

Ammunition consumption
Close range only
Fixed installation

Related Systems

Phalanx CIWS

MANTIS

C-RAM