Rostec has revealed its Pantsir-ME naval anti-missile and anti-aircraft weapons system at the International Maritime Defense show in St. Petersburg.
Designed by the Russian Instrument Design Bureau or KBP, the Pantsir-ME combines two 30mm Gatling type cannons with eight infrared surface-to-air missiles in a single module. Russia hopes to spur interest by foreign governments in purchasing the system.
The weapons are mounted on a fully-automated close in weapons system pedestal designed to detect, track, and engage targets autonomously using radar, electro optical, and infrared sensors all aided by a laser rangefinder.
The Pantsir-ME can engage up to four targets simultaneously and can link up with a battery of up to three other modules to coordinate each other's targets.
The weapon system is similar in concept to the U.S. Phalanx 20mm cannon and SeaRAM point-defense missiles, but with the advantage of incorporating both guns and missiles into a single turret, allowing it to engage targets at a variety of ranges and altitudes.
CIWS systems like the Pantsir-ME function as the last line of defense for vessels against anti-ship missiles, close-in aircraft and high-speed boats. The systems are autonomous due to high-speed missiles closing and maneuvering so fast that human-controlled targeting and engagement would be inadequate.
Austal awarded $584.2 million for littoral combat ship construction
Austal USA is receiving a not-to-exceed Congressional cost-cap contract for $584.2 million for the construction of an Independence-class littoral combat ship and associated services.
The contract, announced by the Department of Defense on Friday, includes options for the construction of an additional LCS and services after delivery. The Navy plans to issue competitive bid solicitations … read more
