Shipboard missile-defense experts at the Raytheon Co. will provide the U.S. Navy and U.S. allies with the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Block 2 to protect ships from incoming missiles under terms of a $242.1 million contract. RAM is a ship self-defense weapon designed to provide protection for ships of all sizes, ranging from 500-ton fast attack craft to 95,000-ton aircraft carriers. The contract is for the RAM Block 2 guided missile round pack, missile ordnance alterations, and spare parts. A supersonic, lightweight, quick-reaction, fire-and-forget weapon, the RAM system is designed to attack enemy helicopters, aircraft, and surface craft. It uses passive RF and infrared guidance for engaging several threats simultaneously. RAM Block 2 has a large rocket motor, advanced control section, and an enhanced RF receiver able to detect quiet threat emitters. It is more maneuverable and longer range than its predecessors. The MK 44 guided missile round pack and the MK 49 guided missile launching system together hold 21 missiles. Existing shipboard sensors can provide the system with target and pointing information. The MK 44 missile also part of the SeaRAM anti-ship missile defense system, replacing the M601A1 Gatling gun in the Phalanx close-in weapon system with an 11-round launcher.
More information is online at https://bit.ly/2snpzQz.
