// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
SeaRAM
SeaRAM is a self-contained defense system for naval ships that automatically detects and destroys incoming threats like anti-ship missiles and aircraft. It combines the sensor and tracking capabilities of the Phalanx system with the guided Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM).
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
SeaRAM is an autonomous, integrated close-in weapon system (CIWS) for naval vessels, combining the proven Phalanx Block 1B search-and-track radar and FLIR sensor suite with an 11-round Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launcher, providing enhanced point defense against supersonic and subsonic anti-ship cruise missiles, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft.
BACKGROUND
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, 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. As of 2005, it is the only U.S. Navy missile to operate in this manner.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- RAM CIWS
- Rolling Airframe Missile CIWS
- Ship self-defense system
- Anti-missile defense system
- Point defense system
USAGE NOTE
SeaRAM is deployed on various surface combatants and aircraft carriers to provide an additional layer of last-ditch defense against sophisticated airborne threats.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to SeaRAM.
RTX is the primary developer and manufacturer of the SeaRAM weapon system, which integrates the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) and the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) Block 1B search and track radar.
A joint venture between RTX, Diehl Defence, and MBDA Deutschland, RAM-System GmbH is responsible for the development, production, and support of the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), which is the missile component of the SeaRAM system.
As a partner in RAM-System GmbH, Diehl Defence contributes to the development and production of the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), a key munition for the SeaRAM system.
A German missile systems developer and a partner in RAM-System GmbH, MBDA Deutschland is involved in the development and production of the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), used by the SeaRAM system.
GD-OTS produces the Phalanx CIWS, whose Block 1B search and track radar and control system form the basis for the SeaRAM's sensor and engagement capabilities.