SeaRAM Anti-Ship Missile Knocks Down Supersonic MissilesTargets

The US Navy conducted a series of test shots using Raytheon’s SeaRAM anti-ship missile defense system.

The series of two shots included one in which two supersonic missiles were inbound simultaneously, flying in complex, evasive maneuvers. In both flights, SeaRAM detected, tracked and engaged the threats, and fired Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2 guided missiles which successfully intercepted the targets, Raytheon said in a statement Tuesday.

The tests were conducted taking out several targets in a variety of scenarios that mimic advanced threats to naval ships.

"SeaRAM intercepted targets under high-stress conditions," said Rick Nelson, vice president of Raytheon's Naval and Area Mission Defense product line.

The tests were conducted on the Navy's Self Defense Test Ship off the coast of Southern California.

Raytheon's Phalanx is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20mm gun system that acquires, tracks and destroys enemy threats that have penetrated all other ship defense systems.

Intended to enlarge Phalanx's keep-out range against anti-ship missiles, rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems and other evolving threats, SeaRAM anti-ship missile defense systems use advanced Phalanx Block 1B sensors and replace the gun with an 11-round Rolling Airframe Missile guide.