Fascinating, not only in how these guns shoot down missiles - but also in how quickly they know to stop shooting…
Israeli Phalanx Close-in air defense system engaging incoming missiles. . .
This is part of Israel’s"Iron Dome"defense system.
There appear to be at least two high speed guns out of view of the camera, maybe more. At least 50 cal. or maybe 20 mm for the range they are shooting.
The white can in the foreground appears to be for close-in fire, in the event the longer range guns do not do the job All this is radar/computer controlled, no human action except to turn it on.
What we are seeing are real shoot-downs, rockets launched from Lebanon aimed at Tel Aviv or other populated targets.
Sound up, open attachment, watch full screen to view / listen to some great American developed technology take down incoming missiles - - -
Note that this system is a modification of a system deployed on most of our navy ships. It was originally designed to protect our ships from very low flying missiles.
Yes. We’ve had Phalanx for years, maybe decades, on some of our ships. I’m not sure of the caliber of the early systems, but the rapid fire and computer aiming has been around for a long time.
Prototype was tested in 1973 and was very successful. They were 20mm Gatling-gun cannons. (20mm = 0.7874016" so it’s over 1.5 times the diameter of a .50 cal.)
The Israel’s have developed a tank (Merkava) that is along side the Abrams and Leopard. Its the only one with a front engine to help protect the crew.With being outnumbered, they believe in crew survival to fight another day.
Amazing technology. Scary, too.
