OldTex
Well-Known Member
Perhaps the 2024 IIP is showing effectively place markers to cover potential future upgrades to the Phalanx CIWS. It doesn't mean that there are currently upgrades past the Block 1B2 standard.
The other thing with the future introduction of the SeaRam CIWS through GPF acquisition is that it may mean that the existing Phalanx mounts could be transferred to the LHDs, AORs, LSD etc and new SeaRam's replace them on the MFUs (with some other adjustments due to the differences in weight between Phalanx and SeaRam - 13,600lbs vs 17,800 lbs according to USN fact files)
A description of the RAM CIWS (from seaforces.org):
The Rolling Airframe Missiles, together with the Mk 49 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS) and support equipment, comprise the RAM Mk 31 Guided Missile Weapon System (GMWS). The Mk-144 Guided Missile Launcher (GML) unit weighs 5,777 kilograms (12,736 lb) and stores 21 missiles. The original weapon cannot employ its own sensors prior to firing so it must be integrated with a ship's combat system, which directs the launcher at targets.
The description for the SeaRam CIWS (Mk 15 Mod 31) is:
The SeaRAM combines the radar and electro-optical system of the Phalanx CIWS Mk-15 Block 1B (CRDC) with an 11-cell RAM launcher to produce an autonomous system - one which does not need any external information to engage threats. Like the Phalanx, SeaRAM can be fitted to any class of ship.
The other thing with the future introduction of the SeaRam CIWS through GPF acquisition is that it may mean that the existing Phalanx mounts could be transferred to the LHDs, AORs, LSD etc and new SeaRam's replace them on the MFUs (with some other adjustments due to the differences in weight between Phalanx and SeaRam - 13,600lbs vs 17,800 lbs according to USN fact files)
A description of the RAM CIWS (from seaforces.org):
The Rolling Airframe Missiles, together with the Mk 49 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS) and support equipment, comprise the RAM Mk 31 Guided Missile Weapon System (GMWS). The Mk-144 Guided Missile Launcher (GML) unit weighs 5,777 kilograms (12,736 lb) and stores 21 missiles. The original weapon cannot employ its own sensors prior to firing so it must be integrated with a ship's combat system, which directs the launcher at targets.
The description for the SeaRam CIWS (Mk 15 Mod 31) is:
The SeaRAM combines the radar and electro-optical system of the Phalanx CIWS Mk-15 Block 1B (CRDC) with an 11-cell RAM launcher to produce an autonomous system - one which does not need any external information to engage threats. Like the Phalanx, SeaRAM can be fitted to any class of ship.
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