US Navy unveils new at-sea missile reloading system in successful test.

According to information published by the US DoD on July 23, 2024, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) recently achieved a major milestone by successfully conducting the first land-based demonstration of the Transferrable Rearming Mechanism (TRAM).
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

A missile canister moves along cables during a demonstration of the US Navy at the Naval Surface Warfare Center. (Picture source: Dvids)

This new system will enable U.S. Navy surface combatants to reload missile canisters into their MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS) while at sea. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro has emphasized the importance of TRAM, prioritizing its development to enhance the Navy’s capabilities.

In a December 2022 speech at Columbia University, Del Toro highlighted the significance of this technology, aiming to eliminate the need for warships to withdraw from combat for extended periods to reload weapon systems in port. He stated his intention to perfect and deploy this capability to maintain a sustained, forward-strike capacity during wartime.

The initiative, driven by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and NSWC PHD, saw rapid progress. At the Sea-Air-Space Exposition in National Harbor, Maryland, Del Toro announced an expedited timeline for TRAM’s at-sea demonstration, expected to occur later this year.

Sailors from the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group and USS Chosin (CG 65) quickly mastered the system with just a week of training. The land-based test included real-time analytics and direct monitoring through advanced instrumentation, allowing immediate assessments and modifications. This approach will guide the forthcoming at-sea demonstration and subsequent engineering updates.

Comments

This capability is particularly vital given the increasing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and the threats to traditional port facilities used for rearming​.

The TRAM system, which uses an articulated crane to handle missile canisters, is designed to function effectively in sea states up to level 5. The system was tested on the USS Spruance during a proof-of-concept evolution in San Diego.