The
U.S. Navy completed the first series of developmental and operational
testing (DT/OT) of Raytheon Company's Rolling Airframe Missile Block
2. In at-sea tests conducted from the U.S. Navy's Self-Defense Test
Ship, RAM Block 2 missiles engaged two targets in tactical dual-salvo
scenarios designed to demonstrate the advanced missile's defensive capabilities.
The DT/OT tests successfully engaged high-speed, maneuvering and sub-sonic,
maneuvering targets with all four RAM Block 2 missiles meeting test
objectives. |
"RAM
Block 2's success in these developmental tests follows the completion
of a series of guidance test vehicle flight tests," said Rick Nelson,
vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Naval and Area Mission Defense
product line. "RAM Block 2's increased kinematic capability and
its advanced guidance system will continue to give the warfighter an
unfair advantage in the fight."
Raytheon and its manufacturing partner RAMSYS of Germany were awarded
the second U.S. Navy RAM Block 2 low-rate production contact for 61
missiles in December 2012. In addition, as previously reported, the
company received a $155.6 million Block 2 production contract for the
German navy earlier this year.
The RAM Block 2 upgrade includes a four-axis independent control actuator
system and an increase in rocket motor capability, increasing the missile's
effective range and delivering a significant increase in maneuverability.
The improved missile also incorporates an upgraded passive radio frequency
seeker, a digital autopilot and engineering changes in selected infrared
seeker components.
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 provide
a high-firepower capability for engaging multiple threats simultaneously.
RAM is installed, or planned for installation, aboard more than 165
ships as an integral self-defense weapon for the navies of Egypt, Germany,
Greece, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates
and the United States.
About RAM
Extremely high reliability resulting from years of development, testing
and design improvements.
Four-axis independent control actuator system with increased rocket
motor capability.
Upgraded passive radio frequency seeker, a digital autopilot and improved
infrared seeker.
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