Raytheon successfully completed three instrumented test vehicle flights between of the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Block 2 missiles. The flights conducted between April and October 2009 were designed to demonstrate the system’s upgraded kinematic capabilities.
The tests focused on the missile’s new rocket motor, airframe, control section and autopilot software. During the current system’s design and development (SDD) phase Raytheon will build 35 missiles, prior to a low rate initial production decision. RAM Block 2 upgrades include a four-axis independent control actuator system and an improved rocket motor with a 30 percent increase in propellant. These and other upgrades increase the missile’s effective range and deliver a significant improvement in maneuverability. The improved missile also incorporates an upgraded passive radio frequency seeker, a digital autopilot and engineering changes in selected infrared seeker components.
making the missile more effective against emerging threats and more maneuverable anti-ship cruise missiles”. RAM is a supersonic, lightweight, quick reaction, fire-and-forget missile providing defense against anti-ship cruise missiles, helicopter and airborne threats, and hostile surface craft. The missile’s autonomous dual-mode, passive radio frequency and infrared guidance design provides a high-firepower capability for engaging multiple threats simultaneously. Produced in partnership by Raytheon and RAMSYS of Germany, RAM has been fielded abroad some 100 ships as an integral self-defense weapon for the navies of the United States, Germany, Greece, Korea, Egypt, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
