Close-in weapon system

A Close-in weapon system (CIWS) is a naval shipboard weapon system for detecting and destroying incoming anti-ship missiles and enemy aircraft at short range (the threat(s) having penetrated the ship's available outer defences). Typically, the acronym is pronounced "See-whiz." A CIWS usually consists of a combination of radars, computers, and multiple rapid-fire medium calibre guns placed on a rotating gun mount. One of the more well-known CIWS products in operation is the US Navy's Phalanx system. Another well-known CIWS is the Dutch-built Goalkeeper. Nearly all classes of modern warship are equipped with some kind of CIWS system. Smaller CIWS-like defenses are currently being developed for MBTs (Main Battle Tanks) in China and Russia. ("Drozt" and "Arena" grenade launchers in the case of Russia)

CIWS trivia

\n*Because of the inefficiency and balkiness of the original CIWS units, the acronym received the facetious expansion of "Christ! It won't shoot!" Category:Weapons\nCategory:Ships\nCategory:Embedded systems\nCategory:Military terms