Hi,
Does any one know the outcome of the Sea RAM trials carried out on HMS York way back in 2001 ?
I was surprised to see that the Type 45 Destroyers are being fitted ‘for but not with’ the Phalanx CIWS, and not Sea RAM from the outset.
Phalanx has been seen on industry drawings for the new CVF too. Does this mean that sea RAM is a non-runner?
Slightly off topic, I object to the whole ‘for but not with’ concept anyway. The new Bay Class Landing ships of the RFA have the same situation.
What exactly happens if an unexpected threat appears quickly? “Excuse me old chap, please don’t fire that Anti ship missile at me yet, i have to sail back to port first to be fitted with the appropriate defensive equipment……!!”
By: planeman6000 - 20th January 2008 at 16:01
Aren’t the RN adopting the fully automated 30mm DS-30 MkII mount specifically to give close in defence against small boats etc?
(I think the rocket pack, if it contained laser guided rockets, would be a great idea but alas typical British cost cutting killed that idea I think.
By: Mercurius - 20th January 2008 at 11:40
Hi,
Does any one know the outcome of the Sea RAM trials carried out on HMS York way back in 2001 ?
Conducted February to September 2001, the trials showed that the system had promise, but needed further refinements, particularly in the area of defensive anti-surface warfare (ASuW) operations against fast inshore attack craft.
Trials to evaluate sensor performance against helicopters in the littoral showed that the EO and RF sensors could track at the range needed for a RAM engagement, but showed the limitations of manual searches for targets. The system was used in standalone mode, with the operator using voice reports from the operations room to manually slew the system onto a threat bearing, but the RN favoured full integration within the combat system, which would allow other defensive systems to take advantage of the Phalanx search radar.
The EO and RF sensors were able to track fast attack craft at suitable ranges for RAM engagement, but the trials demonstrated limitations in target-identification and rules of engagement. The RAM missile would not be effective against the smaller fast inshore attack craft such as jet-skis, which would be handled by Phalanx Block 1B.
I seem to recall that the trials ended earlier than planned, because the US wanted the system back for further development work.
By: mabie - 19th January 2008 at 22:27
Sort of like the cannon on the Typhoon?:)
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January 19, 2008 at 9:22 pm