U.S. Navy successfully tests upgraded RAM missile

Raytheon has announced on Wednesday that the U.S. Navy successfully completed a series of guided flight tests for company’s RAM Block 2A short-range, surface-to-air missile.

Testing occurred at the Naval Air Warfare Center in China Lake, California, and from the Navy’s self-defense test ship off the coast of Southern California.

The Block 2 variant, the latest evolution in the development of the RAM missile, has a larger rocket motor, advanced control section and an enhanced RF receiver capable of detecting the quietest of threat emitters. The improvements make the missile two and a half times more maneuverable, with one and a half times the effective intercept range. This provides the Block 2 variant with the capability to defeat highly stressing threats, increasing the survivability of the defended ship.

The company’s website said the RAM is the world’s most modern ship self-defense weapon and protects ships of all sizes. It’s deployed on more than 165 ships in 11 countries, ranging from 500-ton fast attack craft to 95,000-ton aircraft carriers. The latest software upgrade enhances guidance and the missile’s capability to defeat threats.

Raytheon expects to deliver the RAM Block 2A missile to the Navy by the end of the year.

RAM is an international cooperative program between the United States and Germany. Raytheon and the German company RAMSYS share development, production and maintenance costs.

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