US sailors show funny and creepy video of communication with the sinister Mark 15 Phalanx CIWS anti-aircraft system, which targeted an overflying Boeing 737 aircraft

A video has surfaced on social media of US sailors aboard a ship equipped with the Mark 15 Phalanx CIWS anti-aircraft system. The soldiers dissuaded the air defence system from attacking an aircraft flying through the sky.

Here's What We Know

The video shows a Whidbey Island or Harpers Ferry class landing craft. The Mark 15 Phalanx CIWS mounted on board spotted a Boeing 737 flying overhead and aimed its cannons at the aircraft. Sailors in the vicinity shouted "No... No... No!" at him.

It's worth noting that Phalanx is often the subject of ridicule. This is due to the appearance and abrupt movements of the rig. Sailors often joke about his appearance and irritable character. Below you can see how the complex has been transformed into a robot R2-D2, Santa Claus and a minion.

As for the overflying aircraft, it was apparently a US Navy P-8 Poseidon based on a Boeing 737. Naturally, the Phalanx system posed no real threat to the aircraft. There are, however, less amusing stories in the history of the anti-aircraft system.

The Mark 15 Phalanx CIWS can operate in a fully automatic mode. The system then selects the targets and hits them at its own discretion. During Desert Storm, a Phalanx aboard the frigate USS Jarett fired a burst of 20mm armor-piercing rounds at the battleship USS Missouri. Fortunately no one was injured.

The Mark 15 Phalanx CIWS has been upgraded over the years. Modern versions of the anti-aircraft system are equipped with an array of cameras which help it visually identify targets before firing on them.

Source: The War Zone