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Surface Vessel Weapon System Mk.31 Guided Missile Weapon System (GMWS) consisting of: Mk.49 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS) Mk.144 Guided Missile Launcher (GML) RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) |
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| 07/26 |
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The RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) is a small, lightweight,
infrared homing surface-to-air missile. It was originally intended
and used primarily as a point-defense weapon against anti-ship
missiles. As its name indicates, the RAM rolls as it flies. Indeed,
the missile's radio-frequency tracking system uses a two-antenna
interferometer that can measure phase interference of
electromagnetic waves in one plane only; constant rolling allows the
missile to scan in all directions. In addition, as the missile
rolls, only one pair of steering canards is required. 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 lbs) 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 Independence-class littoral combat ships and certain Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Variants: 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 15.8 cm (6.25 inch) diameter, an improved passive radio frequency seeker and upgraded components of the infrared seeker, and advanced kinematics. 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. Fifty-one 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. The Block 2 RAM was delivered to the U.S. Navy in August 2014, with 502 missiles to be acquired from 2015 to 2019. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the Block 2 RAM was achieved on 15 May 2015. 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. Block 2B At the IndoPacific 2025 Convention in Sydney, in interview with Naval News a Raytheon Australia representative declared the Block 2B was operational and on offer to the Royal Australian Navy as part of the Enhanced Mogami Build. In the same interview the Raytheon Australia representative gave the publicly disclosed range of the Block 2B as 10 Nautical Miles. 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 The SeaRAM weapon system combines the radar and electro-optical system of the Mk.15 Block 1B Phalanx CIWS (CRDC - CIWS RAM Defense Capability) 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. As of December 2013, one SeaRAM is fitted to each Independence-class vessel. In late 2014, the Navy revealed it had chosen to install the SeaRAM on its Small Surface Combatant LCS follow-on ships. Beginning in November 2015, the Navy completed installation of a SeaRAM on the first of four Arleigh Burke class destroyers patrolling within the U.S. 6th Fleet. General characteristics: 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 with 7.9 lb (3.6 kg) High-Explosive 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) Date deployed: 1992 Block 1A: Length: 2.83 m (9.3 ft) Diameter: 12.70 cm (5 in) Wingspan: 44.45 cm (17.5 in) Weight: 74.4 kg (164 lb) Date deployed: August 1999 Block 2: Length: 2.88 m (9.45 ft) Diameter: 15.88 cm (6.25 in) Wingspan: 32.13 cm (12.65 in) Weight: 88.2 kg (194.4 lb) Date deployed: May 2015 Manufacturer: Raytheon, Diehl Defence IN SERVICE: Egyptian Naval Force German Navy Hellenic Navy Japan - JMSDF Mexican Navy Qatari Navy Republic of Korea Navy Royal Saudi Navy Turkish Navy UAE Navy US Navy |
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                                         Mk-144 launcher / Mk-49 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS)       load & reload                |
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