Washington DC (Washington Insider Magazine) – The RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) is a small and lightweight missile. It is an infrared-homing surface-to-air missile and is currently in use by the navies of various countries. It was originally intended to be used as a point-defense weapon. The missile was used against anti-ship missiles. As the name indicates, the RAM-116 rolls as it flies.
The missile rolls out during the flight because the RF tracking system equipped with system uses the two-antenna interferometer. It can measure phase interference of the electromagnetic wave and can be used with one plane only. The rolling interferometer allows the antennas to work well with all the planes of incoming energy. This missile rolls and a steering canards is required to operate it
Specifications
- Mass-5,777 kg (12,736 lb) (launcher)
- 73.5 kilograms (162 lb 1 oz) (missile)
- Length-2.79 m (9 ft 2 in) (missile)
- Warhead-Blast fragmentation warhead
- Warhead weight-11.3 kg (24 lb 15 oz)
- Engine Hercules/Bermite Mk. 36 Solid-fuel rocket
- Wingspan-434 mm (17.1 in)
- Propellant Solid Operational range 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Maximum speed-In excess of Mach 2 (1,500 mph; 2,500 km/h)
Buyers
- Egypt
- Germany
- Greece
- Japan
- Mexico
- Qatar
- South Korea
- Saudi Arabia
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
Recent Use In Battlefield
The RIM-116 is in service currently. It is used by several American and 30 German warships. All new German Navy warships are equipped with RAM. These missiles are used by the new Braunschweig-class corvettes. It mounts two RAM launchers per ship and works efficiently on the war field.
The Greek Navy is equipped with the new Super Vita–a class feature that makes this missile a fast attack craft with RAM. South Korea has recently purchased the missile and has signed a license-production contract for their navy’s KDX-II, KDX-III, and other ships. The Dokdo-class amphibious assault ships in South Korea have tested the missile recently.
In late 2014, the Navy revealed that it has chosen to install the SeaRAM on the Small Surface Combatant LCS. This missile can be operated with the help of ships. The production of this updated missile began in November 2015.
This Navy completed the installation of a SeaRAM and is one of the first of four Arleigh Burke-class that destroys the patrolling within the U.S. The SeaRAM was used recently by the Royal Saudi Navy. They complete the multi-mission surface combat (MMSC) which was based on the Freedom-class littoral combat ships.
The U.S. Navy is planning to purchase about 1,600 RAMs and 115 launchers that they will equip 74 ships. The missile is active aboard the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers. Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and Wasp-class amphibious will be combined with the America-class amphibious assault ships. San Antonio-class transport dock ships were installed with the RIM-116 and were recently used on the battlefield.
FAQS
1. How Effective Is RIM- 116?
According to recent testing, RIM-116 has passed the tests and is considered one of the best missiles in the world. After the test firings, the Block 0 missiles achieved hit rates of over 95%.
2. What Is RIM-116 Missile?
The RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) is a lightweight missile. It is a reaction, fire-and-forget missile that is designed to destroy anti-ship cruise missiles. This is an asymmetric air and surface missile that poses a strong threat to opponents.
3. What Is The Purpose Of the RIM-116 Missile?
The RIM-116 RAM was developed as a part of the cooperative program between the U.S. and German governments. This missile continues to be cooperatively produced and supported as it has gained worldwide recognition.
Currently, there are three RIM-116 configurations introduced. The three RIM116 missiles include Block 0 (RIM-116), Block 1A (RIM-116B), and Block 2 (RIM-116C). Block 0 and Block 1A. All these missiles have completed production and are in service. The RAM Block 2 configuration is also currently in full-rate production.
4. What Are The Features Of the RIM-116 Missile?
The RIM-116 RAM has endless powerful features. It is a high-firepower and low-cost missile that has been proven to be one of the best self-defense systems. It is used against anti-ship cruise missiles and targets asymmetric threats. There are several versions of this missile, which don’t require any shipboard support after the missile launch.
Read More: RIM-66 Standard Specifications, Buyers & Recent Use In Battlefield
5. RIM-116 Is Operational In Which Countries?
The RIM-116 RAM is currently in the operation by the U.S., German and allied Navies. Countries including South Korea, Greece, Egypt, UAE, Turkey, and Japan are operating this missile. There are over 5000 missiles that are produced throughout the life of the program.
