The MoD released these computer generated images of the missile that they're developing. Pretty impressive if it lives up to its billing...able to defend 500 miles? Darn impressive. Might be something the US Navy, US Army and US Marines might be interested in. If I'm not mistaken that exceeds the Patriot RIM-116 by a wide margin.
The MoD has confirmed that a new Royal Navy missile defence system will be able to intercept and destroy enemy missiles travelling at supersonic speeds.
The £483M contract to develop this cutting edge air-defence system - known as Sea Ceptor - is being awarded to UK industry.
The system uses a new UK-developed missile capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 3 and will have the ability to deal with multiple targets simultaneously, protecting an area of around 500 square miles over land or sea.
Sea Ceptor will be developed under a demonstration contract with MBDA (UK) that is expected to last for five years.
Check me if I am wrong, but 500 square miles comes out to a radius of 12.62 miles from the shooter. If the Sea Ceptor has the ability to hit emerging ballistic and cruise missiles, it could be a much needed system. Range is not everything.
ReplyDeleteyou're of course right and the comparison should not have been patriot it should have been RIM-116.
ReplyDeleteit almost doubles the range of that close defense missile. i'll correct the post.
Wouldn't a comparison to ESSM be more appropriate?
ReplyDeletei don't think so. the Brits use the Sea Viper in that role and its based on the Aster 30.
ReplyDeleteAre you comparing the Base Rim-116, or the Blk2 that comes out this year (larger motor = more range), more canards (4 vs 2 = more maneuverable), etc). Also, the Rim-116 has a dual mode seeker (IIR and passive EM).
ReplyDeleteRim-116 Blk2 info:
ReplyDelete"In the face of an expanding and evolving target set, chiefly low probability of intercept (LPI) supersonic manoeuvring anti-ship missiles, the RAM partners have developed a much improved version known as Block 2 that maintains the missile’s viability against current and future threats.
RAM Block 2 has a new radio frequency (RF) receiver and infrared seeker, giving it dual-mode capability and the ability to transition between the two guidance methods.
The RF seeker has increased sensitivity and refined algorithms to track LPI targets. It also has changes to the propulsion, control and autopilot systems to increase its manoeuvrability and range.
The motor is now housed in a composite case in place of steel, to reduce weight.
In terms of kinematics, the Block 2 has three times the manoeuvrability of the original missile, and twice the range. “It really buys you battlespace,” said Thad Smith, responsible for naval weapon systems business development at Raytheon. “If you miss the first time, the high-g manoeuvrability provides a re-engagement capability.”"
http://home.janes.com/events/exhibitions/dsei2011/sections/daily/day2/ram-block-2-on-course-for.shtml
"RAM Block 2 upgrades include a four-axis independent control actuator system and an improved rocket motor with a 30 percent increase in propellant."
http://defense-update.com/newscast/1109/news/ram_block_2_missile_test_301109.html
http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab35/bobro15/RIM-116BkII.jpg
Sol,
ReplyDeleteThis is a short range missile (13 mile range). Its basically an evolved ASRAAM missile known as CAMM, bieng developed to replace Rapier in army use, Sea Wolf in Navy use and provide technology to add into upgraded ASRAAMs (much later).
The key to this article is Sea Wolf replacement - ie the short range accompaniment to Sea Viper (Aster) that will be based on the T23 and later the T26 frigates for air interception against aircraft and sea skimming missiles.
Its meant to be quad-packed, allowing more missiles to fit into just half the space of the current Sea Wolf systems (Cold launch vs hot launch saves a lot of space).
The army version is being based on a container that can be mounted on a truck and hooked up to any radar so it could be shoved on the deck of all sorts of ships in theory. Definitely a useful bit of kit to have, actually might have some export potential.
@SpudmanWP
ReplyDelete"“If you miss the first time, the high-g manoeuvrability provides a re-engagement capability.”"
Did I read that correctly? If the missile misses on it's first pass it can come around for a second try?
That's what the article said...
ReplyDeleteTake it for what it's worth.
Frankly I find it hard to believe (much as I'd like it to be true).
DeleteI agree
Deletenot necessarily. it depends on how agile this missile is. we know its going mach 3 and against a subsonic threat it could miss and re-engage before the target is reached if its detected at max distance and fired .
ReplyDeleteAnything is possible but the ASRAAM, which CAMM is based upon, made a number of design decisions which limit maneuverability. That aside it's an interesting trend taking 200 lb WVR missiles and adding an active radar seeker, the Russians have done it for years and Israel has the Derby, a modified Python.
ReplyDeleteSeawolf is a good system and hopefully the Brits get this replacement working at least as well. That aside the real issue is how many Type 26's they end up with. The number of RN destroyers and Frigates looks to stay below 20 which is really a flotilla and a long way from where they were 20 years ago.
The RIM-116 is a dual-mode 'passive' RF/IIR seeker. Is the CAMM active RF (and/or IIR)?
ReplyDelete