View source for Goalkeeper CIWS

{{short description|Close-in weapon system}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2008}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Goalkeeper CIWS
| image              = Goalkeeper CIWS Gun Opens Fire During Exercise at Sea MOD 45151583.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = A Goalkeeper CIWS on a British [[Invincible-class aircraft carrier|''Invincible''-class aircraft carrier]] firing at a target
| origin             = Netherlands<!-- Country flag removed per [[WP:Manual of Style#Images]]. -->
| type               = [[Close-in weapon system]]
<!-- Type selection -->
| is_ranged          = Yes
| is_bladed          =
| is_explosive       = Yes
| is_artillery       = Yes
| is_vehicle         = Yes
| is_missile         =
| is_UK              =
<!-- Service history -->
| service            = 1980–present
| used_by            = See [[#Operators|operators]]
| wars               =
<!-- Production history -->
| designer           = [[Signaal]] (now [[Thales Nederland]])
| design_date        = 1975<ref name="GoalkeeperKVO2082020">{{Cite web |url= https://magazines.defensie.nl/materieelgezien/2020/06/06_goalkeeper |title= Terug naar de toekomst |author= Bert van Elk |date=20 August 2020|website= Materieelgezien|publisher=Defensie.nl|language=Dutch}}</ref>
| manufacturer       = Thales Naval Netherlands
| production_date    = 1979<ref name="GoalkeeperKVO2082020" />
| number             =
| variants           =
<!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label         =
| weight             = {{convert|6372|kg|lb| abbr= on}} with 1,190&nbsp;rds of ammunition (above deck); {{convert|9902|kg|lb| abbr= on}} (total).
| length             =
| part_length        =
| width              =
| height             = 3.71&nbsp;m (above deck) 6.2&nbsp;m (including deck penetration).
| diameter           =
| crew               = Automated, with human oversight
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| cartridge          = 30×173mm TP, HEI, MPDS, or FMPDS
| cartridge_weight   =
| caliber            = {{convert|30|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| barrels            = 7-barrel (progressive RH parabolic twist, 14 grooves)
| action             =
| rate               = 70 rounds/second (4,200 rounds/minute)
| velocity           = 1,109&nbsp;m/s (MPDS round)
| range              = 350 to between 1,500 and 2,000 metres dependent on ammunition
| max_range          =
| feed               =
| sights             =
<!-- Artillery specifications -->
| breech             =
| recoil             =
| carriage           =
| elevation          = +85 to −25 degrees at 80 degree/s
| traverse           = Unlimited
<!-- Explosive specifications -->
| filling            =
| filling_weight     =
| detonation         =
| yield              =
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
| armour             =
| primary_armament   = 1 x {{convert|30|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} [[GAU-8 Avenger|GAU-8/A Avenger]] seven-barrel [[rotary cannon]]
| secondary_armament =
| engine             =
| engine_power       =
| pw_ratio           =
| transmission       =
| payload_capacity   =
| suspension         =
| clearance          =
| fuel_capacity      =
| vehicle_range      =
| speed              =
| guidance           =
| steering           =
}}

The '''Goalkeeper CIWS''' is a Dutch [[close-in weapon system]] (CIWS) introduced in 1979. It is an autonomous and completely automatic weapon system for short-range defence of ships against highly maneuverable missiles, aircraft and fast-maneuvering surface vessels. Once activated the system automatically undertakes the entire air defence process from surveillance and detection to destruction, including the selection of the next priority target.

==Development==
Hollandse Signaalapparaten B.V., in short Hollandse Signaal or Signaal (now [[Thales Nederland]]) began work on the Goalkeeper in 1975, developing it around the [[GAU-8 Avenger|GAU-8]] gun. A prototype, the EX-83, was first demonstrated to the [[Royal Netherlands Navy]] in 1979.

In 2012, the Dutch ministry of defense announced that the Goalkeeper systems in use by the Netherlands Navy will receive radar upgrades, mechanical improvements, new high-precision [[Frangible bullet|frangible ammunition]] and a new electro-optical tracking system. Also, the system's surface model will be improved to counter high-speed boats and [[fast attack craft]]. These upgrades will make the system more capable to defend ships against the latest threats such as modern [[anti-ship missile]]s, more effective in littoral environments and less vulnerable to malfunctions. It also expands the life of the system to at least 2025. The first of 16 systems will be upgraded and tested by Thales Nederland, the others at the naval base in [[Den Helder]].<ref name=upgrade>{{cite web |url=http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/Countries/Netherlands/2012/Goalkeeper_update_program_for_Netherlands/ |title=Goalkeeper update program for Netherlands |access-date=2013-04-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204052601/http://www.thalesgroup.com/Press_Releases/Countries/Netherlands/2012/Goalkeeper_update_program_for_Netherlands/ |archive-date=2012-12-04 }} article from Thales Nederland</ref> The upgrade has been named the Upkeep Modification.

The development of the Upkeep Modification did not go smoothly. The costs associated with the upgrade rose 700,000 euro above the planned budget in 2015, and led to a loss for Thales Nederland in that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tubantia.nl/hengelo/thales-lijdt-miljoenenstrop~ad629fc2/|title=Thales lijdt miljoenenstrop|publisher=Tubantia|date=23 October 2015|access-date=20 March 2018}}</ref> Nonetheless, by 2016 the first upgrade was completed and placed aboard the [[HNLMS Evertsen (F805)|HNLMS ''Evertsen'']] for testing purposes. The newly upgraded Goalkeeper system brings numerous improvements and additions to the system, including new color and infrared cameras, a new control panel, new software and computers, and the ability to let several Goalkeeper systems work with each other simultaneously.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Gemoderniseerde-Goalkeeper-klaar-voor-tests-220716.html|title=Eerste gemoderniseerde Goalkeeper klaar voor tests|publisher=marineschepen.nl|date=22 July 2016|access-date=20 March 2018}}</ref>

In March 2018, the upgraded ''Goalkeeper CIWS'' passed the sea acceptance trial flawlessly. The Upkeep Modification is meant to bring the performance of the Goalkeeper system once again to the highest operational status, in correspondence with the Royal Netherlands Navy's ambition to optimally protect its crew and ships during overseas deployments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/march-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6067-thales-goalkeeper-passes-sea-acceptance-trials-following-upgrade.html|title=Thales Goalkeeper Passes Sea Acceptance Trials Following Upgrade |publisher=Navy Recognition|date=20 March 2018|access-date=20 March 2018}}</ref>

==Description==
===Target selection===
[[File:Goalkeeper weapons control console at Explosion Museum.jpg|left|thumb|267x267px|Goalkeeper system control console, on display at [[Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower]]]]
The Goalkeeper has two radar sub-systems, one to find threats and another to track and engage them, which operate together to identify and prioritise targets and engage the highest priority one.

The 2D [[I band (NATO)|I band]] search radar, which can handle up to 18 targets at once, generates a threat picture which the gun system uses to identify and prioritize threats.  The system has [[identify friend or foe]] (IFF) functionality to rule out friendly traces.<ref name="rnn">[http://kitsune.addr.com/LCF/goalkeeper.html Goalkeeper CIWS] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060218091832/http://www.kitsune.addr.com/LCF/goalkeeper.html |date=2006-02-18}} at the Royal Netherlands Navy LCF Frigate information page</ref> The tracking radar operates in both [[I band (NATO)|I band]] and [[K band (NATO)|K band]] to enable quick acquisition on the threat bearing. Data from both the I band and K band return signals indicate target range and can be used to identify, and respond to the use of, [[electronic countermeasures]] (ECM). The dual-band system also reduces the effect of [[Clutter (radar)|clutter]], which can mask the target at low altitude. A camera system on the assembly provides a visual fall-back for the system operator.

===Target engagement===
[[File:Goalkeeper CIWS target.jpg|thumb|200px|left|A target hit by the Goalkeeper. This target was hit six times in a one-second burst of 70 rounds.]]
The [[GAU-8 Avenger|GAU-8/A Avenger]] [[30 mm caliber|30 mm]], also used by the [[A-10 Thunderbolt II]] aircraft, was selected for the system.  The 30x173mm cartridge has a greater projectile mass than the 20x102mm cartridge fired by the [[Phalanx CIWS]] [[M61 Vulcan]], so it provides much greater destructive power and significantly increased range with similar muzzle velocity.

The 30x173mm MPDS cartridge has a discarding nylon sleeve ([[Sabot (firearms)|sabot]]) with a 21&nbsp;mm sub-calibre [[tungsten]] penetrator.  The nylon sabot provides a seal between penetrator and barrel and reduces wear.

The tracking radar is capable of monitoring the line of fire and commanding minor adjustments.

[[Supersonic]] missiles that are damaged may still have enough momentum to hit the ship—the only way to ensure the protection of the ship is either to detonate the warhead of the missile or obliterate the missile.

The system's reaction time to a [[Mach number|Mach 2]] [[Sea skimming|sea-skimming]] missile such as the Russian [[SS-N-22|SS-N-22 Sunburn]] from automatic detection to kill is reported to be 5.5 seconds with the firing synchronized to start the engagement at a range of 1,500&nbsp;m and ending with a kill at 300&nbsp;m.<ref name=rnn/>

===Operational history===
Goalkeeper's capabilities have been proven many times during sea-going trials.  During live-fire exercises, many different targets including [[Harpoon missile|Harpoons]], [[Exocet missile|Exocets]] and [[target drone]]s were shot down by Goalkeeper. During anti-piracy operations off the coast of [[Somalia]] the system destroyed several pirate boats and [[skiff]]s that had been seized by the [[Royal Netherlands Navy]].<ref>{{Citation | language = nl | title = Nieuws |trans-title=News | contribution = Tromp ontwapent piraten | place = NL | publisher = Marineschepen | contribution-url = http://www.marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Tromp_ontwapent_piraten.html}}.</ref>

===Comparison with other current CIWS===
{| class="wikitable" style="border-collapse:collapse; text-align:center;" summary="Characteristics of modern CIWS"
|-style="vertical-align:bottom;"
! style="text-align:right;" | Model
! {{flagicon |Netherlands}}<br />Goalkeeper CIWS
! {{flagicon |Russia}}<br />[[AK-630]]<ref>{{Citation | title = Navy | publisher = Indian military | contribution = 267 AK-630 Gatling gun close in weapon system | contribution-url = http://www.indian-military.org/navy/ordnance/close-in-weapon-system/267-ak-630-gatling-gun-close-in-weapon-system.html | access-date = 2010-09-15 | archive-date = 2010-03-15 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100315113834/http://www.indian-military.org/navy/ordnance/close-in-weapon-system/267-ak-630-gatling-gun-close-in-weapon-system.html | url-status = dead }}.</ref>
! {{flagicon |Russia}}<br />AK-630M1-2<ref>{{Citation | place = [[Russia|RU]] | title = Naval | contribution = Roy | contribution-url = http://pvo.guns.ru/naval/roy.htm | publisher = Guns}}.</ref>
! {{flagicon |United States}}<br />[[Phalanx CIWS]]<ref>{{Citation | title = Data | place = United States | publisher = Navy | url = https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2167831/mk-15-phalanx-close-in-weapon-system-ciws/}}.</ref>
! {{flagicon |Italy}}<br />[[DARDO]]<ref>{{Citation | publisher = Nav weaps | title = Weapons | contribution = WNIT 4cm-70 Breda | contribution-url = http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNIT_4cm-70_Breda.htm}}.</ref>
! {{flagicon |China}}<br />[[Type 730]]<ref name=":0">{{cite web | url=https://weaponsystems.net/system/1120-30mm%20H/PJ11 | title=30mm H/PJ11 }}</ref>
! {{flagicon |China}}<br />[[Type 730|Type 1130]]<ref name=":0" />
|-
! style="text-align:right;" | Mass
| {{convert|9902|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|9114|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|11819|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|6200|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|5500|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|6372|kg|lb|abbr=on}} w/o ammo
| {{convert|7400|kg|lb|abbr=on}} w/o ammo
|-
! style="text-align: right;" | Ammunition
| {{convert|30|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|30|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|30|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|20|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|40|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|30|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|30|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|-
! style="text-align:right;" | Armament
| 7-barreled<br />[[GAU-8 Avenger]] Gatling gun
| 6-barreled<br />[[GSh-6-30]] Gatling gun
| 2 × 6-barreled<br />[[GSh-6-30]] Gatling gun
| 6-barreled<br />[[M61 Vulcan]] Gatling gun
| 2-barreled<br />[[Bofors 40 mm Automatic Gun L/70|Bofors 40 mm]]
| 7-barreled<br />H/PJ-12 Gatling gun
| 11-barreled<br />H/PJ-11 Gatling gun
|-
! style="text-align:right;" | Rate of fire
| 4,200 rpm
| 5,000 rpm
| 10,000 rpm
| 4,500 rpm
| 600/900 rpm
| 5,800 rpm
| 11,000 rpm
|-
! style="text-align:right;" | Range (effective/ flat-trajectory) 
| {{convert|3500|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|4000|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|4000|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|2600|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|4000|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|5000|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|5000|m|ft|abbr=on}}
|-
! style="text-align:right;" | Ammunition storage (rounds)
| 1,190
| 2,000
| 4,000
| 1,550
| 736
| 1,280
| 2,560
|-
! style="text-align:right;" | Muzzle velocity
| {{convert|1109|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|900|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|900|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|1100|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|1000|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|1150|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
| {{convert|1150|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
|-
! style="text-align:right;" | Elevation
| −25 to +85°
| −12 to +88°
| −12 to +88°
| −25 to +85°
| −13 to +85°
| -25 to +85°
| -25 to +85°
|-
! style="text-align:right;" | Traverse
| 360°
| 360°
| 360°
| -150° to +150°
| 360°
| 360°
| 360°
|}

==Specifications==
[[File:Het Goalkeeper kanon aan boord van een fregat vuurt een schot af (2009 A8911-267-01a).jpg|thumb|right|Goalkeeper firing.]]

* '''Gun''': [[GAU-8 Avenger|GAU-8/A Avenger]] 30&nbsp;mm seven-barrel [[rotary cannon]].
* '''Height''': 3.71&nbsp;m (above deck) 6.2&nbsp;m (including deck penetration).
* '''Weight''': 6,372&nbsp;kg with 1,190&nbsp;rds of ammunition (above deck), 9,902&nbsp;kg (total).
* '''Elevation''' +85° to −25° at 80°/s.
* '''Muzzle velocity''': 1,109&nbsp;m/s (MPDS round).
* '''Rotation speed''' 360° in 3.8 seconds
* '''Rate of fire''': 70 rounds/second (4,200 rounds/minute).
* '''Maximum burst size''': 1,000 rounds.
* '''Ammunition''':  1,190 linkless (HEI, API, TP, MPDS, FMPDS) rounds in a below-deck magazine.
* '''Reload time''': 9 minutes (loading is done below deck)
* '''Weapons range''': 350 to between 1,500 and 2,000 meters dependent on ammunition.
* '''Search radar''': [[Radar#Frequency bands|I band]]/linear array. I band is X band. Beamsize 1.5 degrees horizontal, 60 degrees vertical. Rotates at 1&nbsp;Hz (60&nbsp;RPM). Range approx. 30&nbsp;km.
* '''Engagement radar''': I band and K band monopulse [[Cassegrain antenna|cassegrain]].
* '''Optical system''': TV (Future EO/IR)
* '''100% kill distance''': 500&nbsp;m {{citation needed|date=March 2012}}

==Operators==
{{unreferencedsection|date=May 2025}}
[[File:Goalkeeper operators.png|thumb|300px|Map of Goalkeeper operators in blue]]

===Current operators===
* {{flagicon|Belgium}} Belgium: [[Belgian Navy]]
** 2 {{sclass|Karel Doorman|frigate}}s
* {{flagicon|Chile}} Chile: [[Chilean Navy]]
** 2 [[Jacob van Heemskerck-class frigate|Jacob van Heemskerck-class]] air defence frigates
** 2 {{sclass|Karel Doorman|frigate}}s
* {{flagicon|Netherlands}} Netherlands: [[Royal Netherlands Navy]]
** 4 [[De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate|De Zeven Provinciën-class]] air-defence and command frigates, 1 or 2 Goalkeepers per ship (Only one vessel of this class is fitted with 2 Goalkeepers, others are provisioned)
** 2 {{sclass|Karel Doorman|frigate}}s, 1 Goalkeeper per ship
** 2 [[Rotterdam-class landing platform dock]]s, 2 Goalkeepers per ship
** 1 [[Karel Doorman-class support ship]], 2 Goalkeepers (in service 2015)
* {{flagicon|Peru}} Peru: [[Peruvian Navy]]
** 1 {{BAP|Tacna||6}} [[Replenishment Oiler]], as of 2015
* {{flagicon|Portugal}} Portugal: [[Portuguese Navy]]
** 2 {{sclass|Karel Doorman|frigate}}s
* {{flagicon|Qatar}} Qatar: [[Qatar Armed Forces]]
** 4 ''Vosper Thornycroft'' Vita-class
* {{flagicon|South Korea}} South Korea: [[Republic of Korea Navy]]
** 3 {{sclass|Gwanggaeto the Great|destroyer}}s
** 6 {{sclass|Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin|destroyer}}s
** 3 {{sclass|Sejong the Great|destroyer}}s
** 2 {{sclass|Dokdo|amphibious assault ship}}

===Former operators===
* {{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} United Kingdom: [[Royal Navy]]
** Formerly fitted to two [[Invincible-class aircraft carrier|''Invincible''-class aircraft carriers]] ([[HMS Invincible (R05)|HMS ''Invincible'']] & [[HMS Illustrious (R06)|HMS ''Illustrious'']]), two [[Albion-class landing platform dock|''Albion''-class landing platform dock]] (replaced by [[Phalanx CIWS|"Phalanx"]] on {{HMS|Albion|L14|6}}, removed from [[HMS Bulwark (L15)|HMS ''Bulwark'']] while in extended readiness for eventual replacement with "Phalanx") and four [[Type 22 frigate|Type 22]] Batch 3 frigates

* {{Flagicon|Germany}} Germany: [[German Navy]]
** Formerly fitted to frigate [[German_frigate_Karlsruhe_(F212)|''Karlsruhe'']] during her service in the Adriatic Sea in the mid-1990s, later replaced by a [[RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile]] system

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Goalkeeper CIWS}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDkiPw2j3uw Goalkeeper 49-round burst surface accuracy test on board a Netherlands navy frigate.]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG1P0KKiA_Y Goalkeeper on board HNLMS Rotterdam tracking and firing at an aerial target 2009]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110927131303/http://www.thalesgroup.com/assets/0/93/238/5370664f-6491-432d-af18-aee6860f114a.pdf?LangType=2057 ThalesGroup .pdf]
* [http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNNeth_30mm_Goalkeeper.htm Naval weapons.com article on the Goalkeeper CIWS.]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdeNI328pjk&NR=1 Goalkeeper CIWS on YouTube]
* [http://sine.ni.com/cs/app/doc/p/id/cs-11308 Test system for Goalkeeper.]

{{Thales Group}}

[[Category:Naval anti-aircraft guns]]
[[Category:Rotary cannon]]
[[Category:Close-in weapon systems]]
[[Category:30 mm artillery]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1980s]]