Raytheon Company’s (NYSE: RTN) Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2 successfully completed two guided test vehicle flights within one week, demonstrating the system’s upgraded kinematic performance, guidance system and airframe capabilities.
Raytheon is building 35 RAM Block 2 missiles during the design and development test period and expects low-rate production to begin in 2012.
“To have a double success during two separate tests within days of each other is a significant accomplishment and proves our design upgrades,” said Rick Nelson, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems’ Naval Weapon Systems product line. “The aggressive path we charted for RAM Block 2 will provide our customers with the most sophisticated ship self-defense missile available.”
The RAM Block 2 upgrade includes a four-axis independent control actuator system and an increase in rocket motor capability. These and other upgrades increase the missile’s effective range and deliver a significant improvement 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 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 provides 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
- Provides defense for U.S. Navy carriers, amphibious ships and Littoral Combat Ships.
- Is able to defeat targets by using next-generation radars today.
- All-weather, low-cost self-defense system against aircraft and anti-ship missiles.
Raytheon Company, with 2011 sales of $25 billion, 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. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 71,000 people worldwide.
