The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a $51.7 million contract for low rate initial production of the Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2. The contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to more than $105 million. RAM Block 2 features enhanced kinematics, an evolved radio frequency receiver, a new rocket motor, and an upgraded control and autopilot system.I wonder if the threat from small boats isn't a bit overblown.
"This next-generation RAM will enable U.S. and allied naval warfighters to defeat the more sophisticated threats emerging around the world today," said Rick Nelson, Raytheon Missile Systems' vice president of Naval Weapon Systems. "Through Raytheon's collaborative relationship with our German partner RAMSYS, we continue to improve and expand the capabilities of RAM."
The contract award follows a series of key milestones, including successful guided flight tests for RAM Block 2. The program is preparing for another intercept test later this year, as well as initiation of government developmental testing in support of fleet deployment.
"RAM has been fired in more than 300 flight tests with a 95 percent success rate," said Nelson. "We intend to bring the same or even greater reliability to RAM Block 2."
About RAM
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. For more than 35 years, the U.S. and Germany have worked together developing and maintaining RAM. Development, production work and funding are shared between Raytheon and RAMSYS.
The Navy already has in its arsenal a NUMBER of systems that are capable of dealing with the small boat threat but we're still being hit with the idea that our carriers and large amphibs are vulnerable.
I just don't believe it. The only weakness in our system is the human element in the form of restrictive rules of engagement and how Commanding Officers interpret them. Long story short. If you're on a ship and they person running it has stars in their eyes and love to be called by thier first name when talking to the boss then you're probably screwed. If he's old skool Navy and protects his ship then you have a better than fair chance of surviving.
The enemy starts using relatively cheap speed boats, and we counter with multimillion dollar weapon systems.
ReplyDeleteIt's easier to spend a lot of money, rather than adapt our tactics.
bullets are cheap and you can use the phallanx to engage boats too. or you can deck mount 50 cals or 25mm's or 7.62 machineguns etc....or you can launch helicopters...or your own small boats or use LAW rockets or ... you get the idea.
ReplyDeleteThe Iranians have boats as small as 16m armed with cruise missiles. Small arms won't help you there.
ReplyDeleteIMHO small boats are a major threat in certain areas, under certain circumstances, especially if used with the element of surprise to open of hostilities. Swarms can go from simply harassing to hostile in a matter of seconds.
On the cost question, it's a lot cheaper to use a million dollar missile than lose a several hundred million or billion dollar warship.
ReplyDeleteAs if LRIP prices are at all representative of steady-state per-unit prices; RAM Blk II is going to be procured in the thousands of units.
ReplyDeleteI think the main advantage is that it's an independently cued, fire and forget weapon with good range and can be reloaded in the field.
RAM is optimized for intercepting anti-ship missiles; any surface to surface capability is more of a happy accident than a primary capability. Presumably that's why Raytheon has demo'd firing Griffin missiles from RAM launchers; if it's worth filling some cells with Griffins it indicates cost issues or effectiveness issues or both with using RAM against speedboats.
ReplyDeleteThis probably goes back to Solomon's ROE remark; hurling a lock-on-after-launch supersonic missile in the general vicinity of a speedboat in congested waters may not be the best idea. AFAIK, RAM blk II doesn't have a datalink for in-flight updates.
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