France: RAM Block 2 Successfully Completes Test Flight

Raytheon Company’s Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2 successfully completed its third guided test vehicle flight, further demonstrating the system’s upgraded kinematic performance, guidance system and airframe capabilities. The test also verified the use of RAM production-representative hardware.

Designed to represent a salvo operation, the test included the firing of two missiles to verify the command and control capabilities of the advanced RAM Block 2 weapon system. The engagement resulted in a direct hit.

Raytheon was awarded a low-rate production contract this year calling for 51 RAM Block 2 missiles. The company is scheduled to deliver 25 Block 2 missiles during the integrated testing phase of this program.

“By taking a very aggressive flight-test path during this stage, we are in an excellent position to begin RAM Block 2 Navy integrated testing later this year,” said Rick Nelson, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems’ Naval and Area Mission Defense product line.

The RAM Block 2 upgrade includes a four-axis independent control actuator system and an increase in rocket motor capability, increasing the missiles’ 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.

Robust International Fleet Self-defense Weapon System
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. Produced in partnership by Raytheon and RAMSYS of Germany, RAM is aboard more than 100 ships as an integral self-defense weapon for the navies of Egypt, Germany, Greece, Republic of Korea, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

RAM Contribution to Warfighters

Extremely high reliability based on years of development, testing and design improvements.
Four-axis independent control actuator system with increased rocket motor capability.
Upgraded passive radio frequency seeker, a digital autopilot and improved infrared seeker.

About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2011 sales of $25 billion and 71,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 90 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass.

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Naval Today Staff,October 23, 2012