RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM)

Last updated: 31 Aug 2021

Description
The RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) is a lightweight, quick-reaction, fire-and-forget missile designed to destroy anti-ship cruise missiles and asymmetric air and surface threats. The RIM-116 RAM was developed as a cooperative program between the U.S. and German governments and continues to be cooperatively produced and supported. Currently there are three RIM-116 configurations: Block 0 (RIM-116), Block 1A (RIM-116B) and Block 2 (RIM-116C). Block 0 and Block 1A have completed production. The RAM Block 2 configuration is currently in full rate production.
 
Features
The RIM-116 RAM is designed as a high-firepower, low-cost, self-defense system against anti-ship cruise missiles and other asymmetric threats. For all versions of the missile, there is no shipboard support required (i.e., no illuminators) after missile launch. The original Block 0 design was based upon the infra-red seeker of the Stinger missile, and the warhead, rocket motor and fuse from the Sidewinder missile. The Block 0 configuration uses Radio Frequency (RF) for midcourse guidance and transitions to Infrared (IR) guidance for terminal engagement. The Block 1A incorporates the added capability of autonomous IR-all-the-way guidance, thus countering advanced anti-ship cruise missiles that do not employ onboard radar seekers.

The Block 2 missile provides kinematic and guidance improvements for countering maneuvering and low probability of intercept threats to regain battlespace. It features a Control Section upgrade (4 canards vs. 2 for Block 1A), a Propulsion Section upgrade (a larger, composite case rocket motor) and an Evolved Radio Frequency (ERF) receiver. RAM Block 2 Initial Operating Capability (IOC) was achieved in May 2015. Approval for full rate production was received in November 2018.
 
Background
The RIM-116 RAM is a cooperative development, production and in-service program between the U.S. and German governments. The RIM-116 RAM is fully operational in the U.S., German and allied Navies (including South Korea, Greece, Egypt, UAE, Turkey and Japan) with over 5000 missiles produced throughout the life of the program. RAM is deployed worldwide via the MK49 RAM Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS) and the MK15 Mod 32 SeaRAM Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) on more than 100 ships ranging from fast patrol boats to aircraft carriers and is being installed on a majority of new USN ship classes (LHA 6, CVN 78, and FFG(x)). The RIM-116 RAM is also deployed on the LCS ship class utilizing MK15 Mod 31 SeaRAM CIWS and DDG (64/71/75/78) utilizing MK15 Mod 33 SeaRAM CIWS.

 
General Characteristics, RAM Block 1A Missile Specifications
Primary Function: Ship Self Defense
Contractor: Raytheon
Date Deployed: August 1999
Propulsion: Solid-propellant rocket
Length: 9.3 ft 2.83 m
Diameter: 5 inches (12.70 centimeters)
Wingspan: 17.5 in / 44.5 cm
Weight: 164 lbs. (74.4 kilograms)
Speed: Supersonic
Platforms:
Amphibious Assault Ships (LHA/LHD)
Landing Platform Dock Ships (LPD)
Carriers (CVN)
Dock Landing Ships (LSD)
Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) - through both MK49 RAM GMLS and MK 15 MOD 31 SeaRAM CIWS
Warhead: 7.9 lbs. (explosive weight)
 
General Characteristics, RAM Block 2 Missile Specifications
Primary Function: Ship Self Defense
Contractor: Raytheon
Date Deployed: May 2015
Length: 9.45 ft (2.88 m)
Diameter: 6.25 in (15.87 cm)
Wingspan: 12.65 in (32.17 cm)
Weight: 194.4 lbs. (88.2 kg)
Speed: Supersonic
Platforms: Amphibious Assault Ships (LHA/LHD)
Landing Platform Dock Ships (LPD)
Carriers (CVN)
Dock Landing Ships (LSD)
Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) - through both MK49 RAM GMLS and MK 15 MOD 31 SeaRAM CIWS Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG (64/71/75/78) through MK15 Mod 33 SeaRAM Close-In Weapon System (CIWS).
Warhead: 7.9 lbs (explosive weight)
 
General Characteristics, RAM Mark49 Launcher Specifications
Primary Function: Ship Self Defense
Above-Deck Weight: 11,466 lbs. (5,201 kg) loaded with Block 1 missiles; 12,081 lbs (5428kg) with Block 2 missiles
Below-Deck Weight: 2,068 lbs (938 kg)
Working Circle: 129 in./3.28 m
Train: +360 degrees
Elevation: -25 degrees to +80 degrees
Missile Capacity: 21
Contractor: Raytheon
Date Deployed: Mid-1993
 
Last Update: 17 January 2019

Point of Contact
Naval Sea Systems Command
Office of Corporate Communication (SEA 00D)


Washington, D.C. 20376

(202) 781-4123

 

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