The SEA RAM Inner-Layer Defence System (ILDS) is being installed on board HMS YORK for a year long test and evaluation . SEA RAM is the low cost evolution of the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) into an autonomous Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Inner Layer Defence System (ILDS).
The Operational Suitability Model (OSM) has been jointly developed by Raytheon Missile Systems and RAM System GmbH. It has undergone extensive shore based trials in the US before being shipped to the UK where the system was re-assembled and set to work by a joint Raytheon/DML Team. Basic training on the system has been conducted for the benefit of HMS YORK's maintainers and operators whilst at DML. Once final fitting has been completed onboard HMS YORK, the system will undergo extensive trials at sea and will remain onboard the YORK until towards the end of the year.
The demonstration gives the Royal Navy the opportunity to work with industry on developing and de-risking the system, but with no current formal commitment to buy.
The aim of the trial is to demonstrate:
Compatibility of the system and that it is supportable and safe when used in all RN activities.
Operationally that it meets the perceived need and that the SEA RAM system could provide the extended protection range for RN ships against various forms of attack.
Cost effectiveness and affordability; a system that could be acquired, installed and supported at an affordable cost and low risk via use of existing assets, infrastructure, training and logistics.
Live firing will not be carried out during this specific trial, as sufficient missile performance data is already available from the records of more than 150 RAM firings.
Six companies from Europe and the United States, including Raytheon Company, RAM-System GmbH, Devonport Royal Dockyard Ltd. (DML), Hunting Engineering Ltd., and Thales Optronics (formerly Pilkington Optronics), have formed a transatlantic consortium to pursue the next step in the evolution of ship defence. Raytheon Systems Limited (RSL) will serve as the prime contractor.
Raytheon Company is the prime contractor for the Phalanx CIWS and remains the Phalanx design authority for the US Department of Defense and 20 international navies including the Royal Navy. Raytheon's Missile Systems (RMS) has an equal partnership with RAMSYS to design, develop and produce the RAM Weapon System and are now jointly developing the SEA RAM system. RSL and the SEA RAM UK Consortium will be responsible for the UK demonstration and potential introduction into UK service.
http://defence-data.com/ , 6 February 2001
