SeaRAM combines the Phalanx CIWS Block 1B search-and-track radar and Electro-Optic sensors, along with its inherent threat evaluation and weapon … An affordable capability upgrade, the SeaRAM above-deck system fits the exact footprint of the Phalanx system, uses the same power and requires minimal shipboard modification. MilitaryLeak is a blog dedicated to military news and defense technology. "SeaRAM is fully integrated with the Independence's combat management system and will provide a proven, highly lethal self-defense capability.". Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. The Optical Dazzling Interdictor, Navy (ODIN) laser, recently fitted to the guided missile destroyer USS Dewey, is designed to shoot down drones and disrupt electro-optical sensors, meaning it is probably about as powerful as LaWS. The weapon, also known as LWSD, has the power to shoot down drones, rockets, and artillery shells. Raytheon received a $6.7m modification to an existing development contract from the US Navy in December 2002. The SeaRAM is a modern close-in weapon system of US origin. A laser weapon system theoretically can fire an unlimited number of shots, while the similar SeaRAM system is limited to a magazine of eleven missiles. "SeaRAM met all test objectives and demonstrated the system's critical at-sea firing capabilities," said Al Steichen, Raytheon's SeaRAM program manager. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements related to the Raytheon and United Technologies merger, Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. “SeaRAM combines two highly successful U.S. Navy systems: the MK 15 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) and the MK 31 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launching system,” Rockwellpate said. However, unlike a missile, environmental factors such as rain, dust, smoke, or other airborne particles will adversely impact a laser, reducing its ability to burn holes in targets over distance. The SeaRAM combines the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile with the fire control suite of the 20mm Phalanx CIWS. SeaRAM is a low-cost spiral development of Raytheon's combat-proven Phalanx Block 1B radar and Rolling Airframe Missile, the latter produced jointly by Raytheon and RAMSYS of Germany. Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, States finalize their vaccine distribution plans, British supermarket chain launches frozen chicken nugget into space to celebrate anniversary, The Navy Just Tested Its Most Powerful Laser Yet, © U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Weston Jones/DVIDS. In 2008 a SeaRAM system was delivered to be installed on USS Independence. The above-deck system weighs 16,901lb. An amphibious transport ship might seem like a strange choice to install an aircraft-killing laser, as the San Antonio-class ship typically carries several hundred U.S. Marines for amphibious assault missions. Instead of a 20mm M61A1 Vulcan gatling gun an 11-cell missile launcher is fitted. The weapon system allows naval vessels to effectively engage high-performance, supersonic and subsonic threats including sea-skimming, anti-ship missiles, high-speed incoming vessels, rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and other surface targets. SeaRAM is a low-cost spiral development of Raytheon's combat-proven Phalanx Block 1B radar and Rolling Airframe Missile, the latter produced jointly by Raytheon and RAMSYS of Germany. Intended to enlarge a ship's self-defense keep-out range against anti-ship missiles and fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, SeaRAM replaces Phalanx's M61A1 20 mm gun with an 11-round RAM launcher. The system is fitted with the same above-deck system and mechanical hardware as Phalanx CIWS and requires minimal shipboard changes. There’s a lot we don’t know about LWSD, particularly how far it can engage targets. Connect with friends faster than ever with the new Facebook app. Legal Notices | Privacy SeaRAM Anti-Ship Missile Defense System The low-risk SeaRAM anti-ship weapon system can be fitted to any class of ship and is designed to offer superior protection for marines and ships. Raytheon delivered an engineering model of the SeaRAM anti-ship missile defence system to the UK’s Royal Navy for suitability testing in 2001. It will need protection from the bane of every seagoing warship—salt water and the corrosive effects of rust. An operational weapon system will need to be ruggedized to withstand a lifetime at sea, enduring near-constant movement while the ship is underway. The content of this News Release Archive is historical content. The second piece of the improved defense package is pairing the RAM Block 2 with SeaRAM. Here’s the video, courtesy U.S. Copyright © 2019 Raytheon Company. SeaRAM is a low-cost spiral development of Raytheon's combat-proven Phalanx Block 1B radar and Rolling Airframe Missile, the latter produced jointly by Raytheon and RAMSYS of Germany. It’s unusual for a weapon type to become five times more powerful in the span of just six years, but there’s also been about five decades’ worth of research and development behind this burst of progress. The mount, radar systems and optronics suite of the Mk 15 Block 1B variant of the Phalanx are used. The U.S. Navy released a video of its newest, most powerful laser in action, destroying a target drone in mid-flight. TUCSON, Ariz., May 24, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) SeaRAM Anti-ship Missile Defense System completed two blast test vehicle launches aboard the USS Independence (LCS 2). The MK 2 MOD 0 has an output of 150 kilowatts, a huge leap in power output over previous laser weapons. The SeaRAM self-contained system also employs Phalanx Block 1B CIWS’ high-resolution search and track radar and electro-optical sensor suite, which provides the RAM missile with reliable radio frequency, infrared (IR) detection and tracking capabilities to defeat both air and surface threats. The missile system was buil… The Navy’s progress on laser weapon systems has been rapid, moving from just 30 kilowatts in 2014 to 150 kilowatts in 2020. Unlike the previous systems using the RIM-116 RAM missile the SeaRam is a standalone system. Intended to enlarge a ship's self-defense keep-out range against anti-ship missiles and fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, SeaRAM replaces Phalanx's M61A1 20 mm gun with an 11-round RAM launcher. SeaRAM Anti-Ship Missile Defense System Like the Phalanx, SeaRAM can be fitted to any class of ship. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Such larger, fast-moving targets require a more powerful laser to induce structural failure in a shorter time. The LWSD is likely the most powerful and destructive laser to go to sea. France, Germany and Spain Agree New Steps on FCAS Program, China Implies DF-17 Hypersonic Missiles Deployed Near Taiwan Straits, Airbus Unveils New Jet Trainer Concept Offered to Spanish Air Force, Norway to Boost Defence Spending to Strengthen Capabilities and Readiness, US Approves $300M Naval Strike Missile Sale to Romania, US Condemns Turkey for Testing Russian-Made S-400 Missile, Indian Destroyer Launches BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile, MBDA Unveils Missile Upgrade for Vertical Launch MICA Air-Defense System, Two US Navy Destroyer Squadrons Train in South China Sea, China Unveils Operational Drone Swarm for 'Amphibious Landings', S. Korea to Acquire Suicide UAVs, Advanced Attack Drones, A400M Airlifts Griffon 6X6 Armored Vehicle Back to France, Brazil Takes Delivery of Final Upgraded F-5M Fighter, NATO Holds Annual Nuclear Exercise at Dutch Air Base, Danish Navy Redesignates Absalon-class Support Ships as ASW Frigates, North Korea’s New ICBM Designed to Overwhelm US Defenses: Report, Thales Launches Ultra-Compact Airborne Surveillance Radar, Lockheed to Bid for Next-Gen Interceptor Contract, Australian Defence Force Prepares for Robotic Operations, Pentagon to Introduce NATO-Compatible Radios by 2024, Status of US Air Force’s Next-Gen Air Dominance Fighter Program, US Favors F-35 Over F-18E in Swiss Fighter Competition, Swiss to Vote on Sunday on $6.5Bn Fighter Procurement, Dutch Win $13M, Expect $100M+ Royalties on F-35 Exports.