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RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile

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For the earlier weapon named Ram, see Ram (rocket).

The RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) is a small, lightweight, infrared homing surface-to-air missile in use by the German, Japanese, Greek, Turkish, South Korean, Saudi Arabian, Egyptian, Mexican, UAE, and United States navies. It was originally intended and used primarily as a point-defense weapon against anti-ship missiles. As its name indicates, RAM rolls as it flies. The missile must roll during flight because the RF tracking system uses a two-antenna interferometer that can measure phase interference of the electromagnetic wave in one plane only. The rolling interferometer permits the antennas to look at all planes of incoming energy. In addition, because the missile rolls, only one pair of steering canards is required.[2] As of 2005, it is the only U.S. Navy missile to operate in this manner.[3]

RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile
A RIM-116 being launched from USS New Orleans in 2013.
TypeClose-in weapon system
Place of originGermany and United States
Service history
In service1992–present
Used by§ Operators
Production history
DesignerGeneral Dynamics (now Raytheon) and Diehl BGT Defence
Designed1976
ManufacturerGeneral Dynamics (now Raytheon) and Diehl Defence
Unit cost
  • US$998,000 (FY2014)[1]
  • US$905,330 (FY2021) (average)
Produced1985–present
Variants§ Variants
Specifications
Mass
  • 5,777 kg (12,736 lb) (launcher)
  • 73.5 kilograms (162 lb 1 oz) (missile)
Length2.79 m (9 ft 2 in) (missile)
Diameter
  • 127 mm (5 in) (Block 1 missile)
  • 159 mm (6.25 in) (Block 2 missile)
Wingspan434 mm (17.1 in)
WarheadBlast fragmentation warhead
Warhead weight11.3 kg (24 lb 15 oz)
EngineHercules/Bermite Mk. 36 Solid-fuel rocket
PropellantSolid
Operational
range
9 km (5.6 mi)
Maximum speed In excess of Mach 2 (1,500 mph; 2,500 km/h)
Guidance
system
  • Three modes:
    • passive radio frequency/infrared homing,
    • infrared only, or
    • infrared dual mode enabled (radio frequency and infrared homing)
AccuracyOver 95%
Launch
platform
Mk 144 Guided Missile Launcher (GML) of the Mk 49 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS)

The Rolling Airframe Missiles, together with the Mk 49 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS) and support equipment, make up the RAM Mk 31 Guided Missile Weapon System (GMWS). The Mk-144 Guided Missile Launcher (GML) unit weighs 5,777 kilograms (12,736 lb) and stores 21 missiles. The original weapon cannot employ its own sensors prior to firing, so it must be integrated with a ship's combat system, which directs the launcher at targets. On U.S. ships, it is integrated with the AN/SWY-2 Ship Defense Surface Missile System (SDSMS) and Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) Mk 1 or Mk 2-based combat systems. SeaRAM, a launcher variant equipped with independent sensors derived from the Vulcan Phalanx CIWS, is being installed on Littoral Combat Ships and certain Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

Development

The RIM-116 was developed by General Dynamics Pomona and Valley Systems divisions under a July 1976 agreement with Denmark and West Germany (the General Dynamics missile business was later acquired by Hughes Aircraft and is today part of Raytheon). Denmark dropped out of the program, but the U.S. Navy joined in as the major partner. The Mk 49 launcher was evaluated on board the destroyer USS David R. Ray in the late 1980s.[3] The first 30 missiles were built in FY85, and they became operational on 14 November 1992, onboard USS Peleliu.

SeaRAM was developed in response to concerns about the performance of gun-based systems against modern supersonic sea-skimming anti-ship missiles. It was designed as a companion self-defense system to Phalanx.[4]

Service

The RIM-116 is in service on several American and 30 German warships. All newly laid German Navy warships will be equipped with the RAM, such as the modern Braunschweig-class corvettes, which mount two RAM launchers per ship. The Greek Navy has equipped the new Super Vita–class fast attack craft with the RAM. South Korea has signed license-production contracts for their navy's KDX-II, KDX-III, and Dokdo-class amphibious assault ships.[5]

U.S. Navy

The U.S. Navy plans to purchase a total of about 1,600 RAMs and 115 launchers to equip 74 ships. The missile is currently active aboard Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers, Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, Wasp-class amphibious assault ships, America-class amphibious assault ships, San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships, Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships, Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ships, and littoral combat ships (LCS).[6]

Variants

 
Sailors handle the rolling airframe missile system aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman.
 
The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt launches a Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM)

Block 0

The original version of the missile, called Block 0, is based on the AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile, whose rocket motor, fuze, and warhead are used. Block 0 missiles were designed to initially home in on radiation emitted from a target (such as the active radar of an incoming anti-ship missile), switching to an infrared seeker derived from that of the FIM-92 Stinger missile for terminal guidance. In test firings, the Block 0 missiles achieved hit rates of over 95%.

Block 1

The Block 1 (RIM-116B) is an improved version of the RAM missile that adds an overall infrared-only guidance system that enables it to intercept missiles that are not emitting any radar signals. The Block 0's radar homing capabilities have been retained.

Block 2

The Block 2 (RIM-116C) is an upgraded version of the RAM missile aimed at more effectively countering more maneuverable anti-ship missiles through a four-axis independent control actuator system, increased rocket motor capability to 6.25–inch diameter, an improved passive radio frequency seeker and upgraded components of the infrared seeker, and advanced kinematics.[7][8] On 8 May 2007, the U.S. Navy awarded Raytheon Missile Systems a $105 million development contract. Development was expected to be completed by December 2010. LRIP began in 2012.[9]

51 missiles were initially ordered. On 22 October 2012, the RAM Block 2 completed its third guided test vehicle flight, firing two missiles in a salvo and directly hitting the target, to verify the system's command and control capabilities, kinematic performance, guidance system, and airframe capabilities. Raytheon was scheduled to deliver 25 Block 2 missiles during the program's integrated testing phase.[10][11] The Block 2 RAM was delivered to the U.S. Navy in August 2014,[12] with 502 missiles to be acquired from 2015 to 2019.[13] Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the Block 2 RAM was achieved on 15 May 2015.[14]

In early 2018 the U.S. State Department approved the sale of RIM-116 Block II to the Mexican Navy for use on their future Sigma-class design frigates, the first of which was jointly built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding and launched in November 2018.[15][16]

HAS mode

In 1998, a memorandum of understanding was signed by the defense departments of Germany and the United States to improve the system so that it could also engage so-called "HAS", Helicopter, Aircraft, and Surface targets. As developed, the HAS upgrade just required software modifications that can be applied to all Block 1 RAM missiles.

SeaRAM weapon system

 
SeaRAM

The SeaRAM combines the radar and electro-optical system[3] of the Phalanx CIWS Mk-15 Block 1B (CRDC) with an 11-cell RAM launcher to produce an autonomous system—one which does not need any external information to engage threats. Like the Phalanx, SeaRAM can be fitted to any class of ship. Due to the common mounting, SeaRAM inherits the relatively easy installation characteristics of its gun-based sibling, with Raytheon stating that SeaRAM "fits the exact shipboard installation footprint of the Phalanx, uses the same power and requires minimal shipboard modification". In 2008, the first SeaRAM system was delivered to be installed on USS Independence.[17]

As of December 2013, one SeaRAM is fitted to each Independence-class vessel.[18] In late 2014, the Navy revealed it had chosen to install the SeaRAM on its Small Surface Combatant LCS follow-on ships.[19] Beginning in November 2015, the Navy will complete installation of a SeaRAM on the first of four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers patrolling within the U.S. 6th Fleet.[20] The SeaRAM will equip the Royal Saudi Navy's multi-mission surface combat (MMSC) based on the Freedom-class littoral combat ships.[21]

General characteristics

Primary function: Surface-to-air missile
Contractor: Raytheon, Diehl BGT Defence

Block 1

  • Length: 2.79 m (9 ft 2 in)
  • Diameter: 127 mm (5.0 in)
  • Fin span: 434 mm (1 ft 5.1 in)
  • Speed: Mach 2.0+
  • Warhead: 11.3 kg (24.9 lb) blast fragmentation
  • Launch weight: 73.5 kg (162 lb)
  • Range: 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Guidance system: three modes—passive radio frequency/infrared homing, infrared only, or infrared dual-mode enabled (radio frequency and infrared homing)
  • Unit cost: $998,000
  • Date deployed: 1992


Block 1A[7]

  • Length: 9.3 ft (2.83 m)
  • Diameter: 5 in (12.70 cm)
  • Wingspan: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)
  • Weight: 164 lb (74.4 kg)
  • Date deployed: August 1999


Block 2[7]

  • Length: 9.45 ft (2.88 m)
  • Diameter: 6.25 in (15.88 cm)
  • Wingspan: 12.65 in (32.13 cm)
  • Weight: 194.4 lb (88.2 kg)
  • Date deployed: May 2015

Operators

Current operators

 
Map with RIM-116 operators in blue

Future operators

The Dutch Ministry of Defence announced on 14 January 2021 that it wants to purchase the Rolling Airframe Missile to upgrade several of its ships, including the landing platform docks HNLMS Rotterdam and HNLMS Johan de Witt, the support ship HNLMS Karel Doorman and its new anti-submarine warfare frigates.[25]

See also

References

Notes
  1. ^ "United States Department Of Defense Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Request Program Acquisition Cost By Weapon System" (pdf). Office Of The Under Secretary Of Defense. March 2014. p. 63. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 March 2023.
  2. ^ Elko, Emily C.; Howard, James W.; Kochansk, Richard C.; Nguyen, Thu-Phuong T.; Sanders, William M. "Rolling Airframe Missile: Development, Test, Evaluation, and Integration" (PDF). Johns Hopkins APL Technical Digest, Volume 22, Number 4 (2001). Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 January 2024. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Norman Polmar (2005). Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet. The Naval Institute. p. 519.
  4. ^ Raytheon. SeaRAM datasheet.
  5. ^ "PGM—Precision Guided Munitions". LigNex1.com. Archived from the original on 27 September 2015. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  6. ^ "Enterprise Sailors onload a RAM launcher" (video). YouTube. U.S. Navy. 17 March 2012. Archived from the original on 7 November 2021.
  7. ^ a b c "RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM)". U.S. Navy. 31 August 2021. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  8. ^ Eckstein, Megan (11 June 2015). "Navy Declares IOC On Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2". U.S. Naval Institute. Archived from the original on 4 January 2024.
  9. ^ "Raytheon's RAM Strikes Twice During Back-to-Back Tests". PR Newswire. 30 January 2012. Archived from the original on 22 September 2018.
  10. ^ "RAM Block 2 Missile Successful in Double-fire Test". deagel.com. 22 October 2012. Archived from the original on 18 August 2017.
  11. ^ "Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2 completes initial fleet firing". DefenceTalk. 12 August 2013. Archived from the original on 21 June 2023.
  12. ^ "Raytheon delivers first Block 2 Rolling Airframe Missiles to US Navy". Raytheon. 27 August 2014. Archived from the original on 29 November 2022.
  13. ^ "Navy to Accept New Rolling Airframe Missile". military.com. 19 May 2014. Archived from the original on 4 September 2019.
  14. ^ "US Navy Declares Initial Operational Capability for New Rolling Airframe Missile RAM Block 2". Navy Recognition. 16 May 2015. Archived from the original on 22 June 2023.
  15. ^ Kelly, Fergus (8 January 2018). "US approves sale of missiles, torpedoes and ammunition to Mexico for new Dutch-built naval vessel". The Defense Post. Archived from the original on 21 June 2023.
  16. ^ "SEMAR Commemorates the Day of the Navy of Mexico with the Launch and Flagging of the First Long Range Oceanic Patrol Ship". Defense-Aerospace. 26 November 2018. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024.
  17. ^ "Raytheon Delivers SeaRAM to USS Independence". Raytheon. 18 March 2008. Archived from the original on 28 November 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  18. ^ "Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) High-Speed Surface Ship". Naval Technology. Archived from the original on 23 November 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  19. ^ Osborn, Kris (11 December 2014). "Hagel Approves Navy's Proposal to Build More Lethal LCS Variant". military.com. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023.
  20. ^ Eckstein, Megan (15 September 2015). "Navy Integrating SeaRAM on Rota-Based DDGs; First Installation Complete In November". U.S. Naval Institute. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023.
  21. ^ Cavas, Christopher P. (20 October 2015). "US OKs Potential $11.25B Saudi Deal for LCS Variant". Defense News. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021.
  22. ^ "SeaRAM, Close-In Weapon System—Japanese Example Ship". military-today.com. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  23. ^ "Raytheon delivers RAM launcher for Mexican Navy POLA OPV". navaltoday.com. 23 October 2018. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
  24. ^ Chin, Jeremy (28 January 2019). "Germany Approves Sale of RAM to Qatar". CSIS Missile Threat. Archived from the original on 2 February 2019. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  25. ^ "Dutch Navy replacing Goalkeeper CIWS with RAM missile, DART projectile combo". Defense Brief. 15 January 2021. Archived from the original on 29 September 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
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