Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM)

The RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) is the end result of cooperative
development between the U.S. and German governments. It is fully operational
in the following Navies:

* United States Navy
* German Navy
* South Korean Navy
* Egyptian Navy
* Greek Navy
* Turkish Navy
* Japanese Navy
* UAE Navy

Currently there are three configurations of the missile:

* Block 0 (RIM-116)
* Block 1A (RIM-116B)
* Block 2 (RIM-116C)

Block 0 and Block 1A have completed production. The Block 2 configuration is
currently in full rate production.

Block Features

The block 0 RAM is designed as a high-firepower, low-cost, point-defense system
against anti-ship cruise missiles and other asymmetric threats. The original Block 0
design was based upon the infra-red seeker of the Stinger missile, and the warhead,
rocket motor and fuse from the Sidewinder missile. The Block 0 configuration uses
Radio Frequency (RF) for midcourse guidance and transitions to Infrared (IR)
guidance for the terminal engagement phase.

The Block 1A incorporates the added capability of autonomous IR-all-the-way
guidance, thus countering advanced anti-ship cruise missiles that do not employ
onboard missile radar seekers.

The Block 2 missile provides kinematic and guidance improvements for countering
maneuvering and low probability of intercept threats in the battlespace. It features
a Control Section upgrade (4 canards vs. 2 for Block 1A), a Propulsion Section
upgrade (a larger, composite case rocket motor) and an Evolved Radio Frequency
(ERF) receiver.

For all versions of the missile, there is no shipboard support required (i.e., no
illuminating radar is required after missile launch). It is a fire-and-forget weapon.

Launchers/Systems

The Rolling Airframe Missile is deployed worldwide via the following systems and
launchers:

* MK49 RAM Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS)
* MK15 Mod 31 SeaRAM Close-in Weapon System (CIWS)
* MK15 Mod 32 SeaRAM Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)
* MK15 Mod 33 SeaRAM Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)

Some version of the RAM and its respective launcher has been deployed on
the following ships:

* fast patrol boats
* aircraft carriers (CVNs)
* LHAs
* LCSs
* FFGs(x)
* DDGs (specific ones only)

General Characteristics: Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM)

Specifications

Launcher Mass:
* 12,736 lbs. (57,777 kg)

Missile Mass:
* 162 lbs. (73.5 kg)

Missile Length:
* 9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)

Warhead:
* 24 lb. 15 oz. (11.3 kg) blast fragmentation

Engine:
* Hercules/Bermite MK. 36 Solid-Fuel Rocket

Wingspan:
* 17.1 in. (434 mm)

Operational Range:
* 6.2 mi. (10km)

Maximum Speed:
* In excess of Mach 2 (1,522 mph; 2,450 km/h)

Guidance System (three modes)
* passive radio frequency/infrared terminal homing
* infrared only
* infrared dual mode enabled (radio frequency and infrared homing)

Accuracy:
* Over 95%

Launch Platform:
* MK 144 Guided Missile Launcher (GML) of the MK 49 Guided Missile Launching System

Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Development Video

Videos are embedded and played in the web page. Click on the arrow in the
center of the window to play the video. If a video fails to play embedded,
try playing it on YouTube® by clicking on the Watch on YouTube link in the
lower left corner of the window.