Steven
Holsworth, U.S. national deputy program manager for RAM, said, "Through
cooperation, this program has continuously met all challenges and has
successfully produced more than 3000 RAM missiles (Block 0, 1A, 2) and
200 launchers. The strength of the RAM community is also evident in the
high success rate in our 450-plus live firing events in its history. The
on-time, on-cost delivery of the first Block 2 missiles embodies the best
of the U.S. and German design/production capabilities. With the completion
of recent test events, we are ready to write the next chapter of the RAM
success story by delivering the enhanced capability to the U.S., German,
and allied warships on which RAM is deployed."
Andrea Schwarz, RAM deputy program manager from Germany concurred. "Since
our inception in 1976, the U.S. and Germany have cooperatively developed,
produced, and supported the RAM program through 16 international agreements/amendments.
It is a testament to the program that both countries have remained steadfast
in their commitment and cooperation, including 50/50 government contributions
and industry work share. With the introduction of Block 2, we continue
the cooperative spirit and technical excellence that has protected our
Navies over the past three decades."
In 2014, the program had a highly successful test and evaluation run where
it scored hits on several extremely challenging target sets. Currently,
RAM protects the U.S Navy's CVN, LCS, LHA, LHD, LSD and LPD 17 class warships
and twenty-two of Germany's warships.
About RAM
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 170 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.
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. |