Raytheon has awarded Curtiss-Wright Controls, Inc. a subcontract worth US$5.7 million providing for rugged single board computers (SBC), digital signal processors (DSP) and buffer memory cards to be used with the Centurion Counter-Mortar and Rocket Weapon System destined for the U.S. Army. Raytheon also has options to buy additional batches the systems this year, at a total cost of $5 million. The system will utilize Curtiss-Write’s SVME-412 DSP, SCP-122 SBC, SPMC-230 StarLink module and MM-6790F/8M Flash Module. The new systems will drive the Centurion’s target tracking system radar and perform fire correlations in the main system computer. The advanced search and track radar uses closed-loop spotting technology that enables autonomous target detection and engagement. Phalanx can be interfaced with other sensors and systems to provide overarching protection of high-value sites on the ground.
This contract follows another order worth a $17 million, awarded two months ago by Raytheon to General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GDATP), for the production of 20mm Gatling gun systems for the Phalanx Block 1B Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) and the new  Mobile Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System (MLPWS) – Centurion.
The Phalanx Block 1B CIWS is the most recent upgrade of the naval Phalanx CIWS. The upgrade adds enhanced fire-control capability, optimized gun barrels and an integrated Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system. In the Centurion configuration, a Phalanx Block 1B CIWS is mounted on a stabilized platform utilizing an Oshkosh Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) A3.
HEMTT A3 uses the Oshkosh ProPulse hybrid diesel-electric drive technology to deliver 100 kW of exportable military-grade power and 20 percent improved fuel economy. The HEMTT A3 delivers greater efficiency and exportable power capabilities without compromising the vehicle’s payload and protection. In addition to powering an airfield, hospital or command center, the vehicle can also be used to mobilize and power weapon systems, IED-suppression technologies and radar systems. By eliminating the need for extra support equipment, such as trailer-mounted generators, the vehicle offers the Army leaner, more mobile fleets and a reduced logistics footprint.
Late last year The MLPWS completed a proof of concept demonstration at Yuma Proving Grounds and met all demonstration objectives. During a live-fire demonstration the system successfully tracked, engaged and destroyed nine inert mortars. The vehicle also maneuvered more than 28 miles on paved and off-road conditions without any damage to the system.
