Missile RIM-116 RAM

The RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile originated from a 1976 development agreement between Denmark and West Germany. Following the withdrawal of Denmark, the United States Navy became the primary partner in the program. The system reached operational status in November 1992.

The missile serves as a point-defense weapon against anti-ship missiles. It employs a rolling airframe during flight to support its radio frequency tracking system, which utilizes a two-antenna interferometer. This rotation allows the antennas to scan all planes of incoming energy and enables the use of a single pair of steering canards for maneuvering. Guidance is achieved through three primary modes: passive radio frequency and infrared homing, infrared only, or a dual-mode configuration. The missile is equipped with a blast fragmentation warhead.

Technical iterations have introduced various seeker and airframe modifications. Initial versions utilized an infrared seeker for terminal guidance, while later variants added an infrared-only mode to intercept targets that do not emit radar signals. Recent upgrades include a four-axis independent control actuator system, an enlarged rocket motor, and enhanced kinematics to counter maneuverable threats. A software-based modification also enables the engagement of helicopters, aircraft, and surface targets. The SeaRAM variant combines the missile launcher with autonomous radar and electro-optical sensors, allowing for independent operation without external shipboard sensor data.

The RIM-116 is widely deployed and forms a component of naval defense for the United States, Germany, Japan, Greece, Turkey, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Mexico, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. It is installed on various vessel classes, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, corvettes, and amphibious assault ships. Future procurement plans have been announced by the Netherlands, Canada, and Australia. In service, the system is typically integrated with existing shipboard combat and self-defense suites.