Talk:RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile

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[edit] RAM / Phalanx

If Phalanx is "less capable" please cite source that says it is less capable and explain why RAM is "more capable". This article doesn't currently support the "less capable" remark so adding it is just someones opinion. --Dual Freq 10:56, 19 May 2006 (UTC)

That's better. --Dual Freq 19:56, 21 May 2006 (UTC)

Phalanx is "less capable" because its max. range is between 2000-3000 meters, a fraction of the range of RAM. The expected real-world kill-distance of an incoming anti-ship missile for Phalanx is about 500 m or less, still close enough to possibly cause damage to the ship and everyone on board soiling their pants. Phalanx can engage one target at a time, while RAM can engage several targets simultaneously. Phalanx is useless against supersonic, erratically maneuvering missiles (like SS-N-27 "Sizzler") because it cannot predict target course. Phalanx cannot engage missiles faster than mach 2; RAM can. Phalanx has a limited kill probability since it fires kinetic-only rounds; even a direct hit doesn't ensure destruction of the incoming missile, while RAM uses a continuous rod warhead of the Sidewinder; no direct hit is required for destruction of the target. This makes RAM "more capable".

[edit] Reloading

Is it possible for a ship's crew to reload the RAM launcher on their own (ie without port facilities or a tender ship)? If not, the fact that it only carries either 21 or 11 missiles (depending on the type of launcher used) seems like a very severe tactical limitation. 71.203.209.0 00:19, 16 October 2006 (UTC)

Yes, it can be reloaded by the crew. See http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/RIM-116_Rolling_Airframe_Missile The last picture shows the reloading process: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:RIM-116_Rolling_Airframe_Missile_Launcher_Practice_device.jpg

Should the above picture be added to the article. Lonjers 04:33, 27 March 2007 (UTC)