US Navy Tests Raytheon-Built SeaRAM Missile Launcher

The US Navy has launched a tactical missile from a SeaRAM launcher on an Independence variant littoral combat ship (LCS) known as U.S.S. Coronado.

The missile was launched on August 14 during a live-fire exercise at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division sea range off the coast of California.

U.S.S. Coronado (LCS 4) fired a Rolling Airframe Missile from a SeaRAM anti-ship defense system, both produced by Raytheon Company.

During the test, the SeaRAM detected, tracked and engaged an inbound threat target, and fired a RAM Block 1A that successfully intercepted the target, the company announced today.

"SeaRAM demonstrated that it is a vital weapon for defending navies against anti-ship cruise missiles, and provides warfighters with a capability found nowhere else." Rick Nelson, vice president of Naval Area and Mission Defense product line at Raytheon Missile Systems.

The exercise also was designed to provide information to reduce risk in future combat and certification exercises for the LCS.