#Rolling Airframe Missiles

[captain-price-unofficially]

Some of the defensive armament of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Seen in the photo are a Phalanx, a Sea Sparrow launcher, and a MK 38 25mm gun mount. She also has Rolling Airframe Missile launchers. Oct. 25, 2023

[usafphantom2]

The subject of paint on the fastest airplane in the world is fascinating . White bird? Nope, it never happened. Fake Picture! Although ("Pastels are the best stealth colors," Ben Rich once observed, "real men don't fly pink jets.") This is the YF-12 airframe created by the Skunk Works, who also designed the (A-12 and the SR -71 and the M -21) but the YF-12 held four air to air missiles. YF-12 was created to intercept any incoming enemy bombers quickly. It was discovered that the way the enemy would attack would be with inter-ballistic missiles instead of overhead bombers, making the YF-12 obsolete before they made the 100 airplanes that had been ordered.

The program was canceled. The Air Force used three YF-12s and then transferred them to NASA. There is one YF 12 remaining and it is at the Museum of the Air Force in Dayton, Ohio half of YF 12 remains it is the back on SR 71, 981. Also known as the bastard is at Hill Air Force Base, Utah the other YF- 12 crashed. (it is currently being restored.)

Another frustrating example was the stubborn insistence of the Air Force to have its insignia painted on the wings and fuselage of the SR-71 Blackbird, even though no one would ever see it at eighty-five thousand feet; finding a way to keep the enamel from burning off under the enormous surface temperatures and maintain its true red, white, and blue took our chief chemist, Mel George, weeks of experimentation and cost the government thousands of unnecessary dollars. After we succeeded, the Air Force decided that the white on the emblem against the all-black fuselage was too easy to spot from the ground, so we repainted it pink." (p. 327) Ben Rich from his book “Skunk Works”

Using a law of thermodynamics, Ben Rich convinced Kelly Johnson to paint the A-12 Black. It was very rare when Kelly Johnson admitted he was wrong.

Overnight, however, he apparently had second thoughts, or did some textbook reading on his own, and at the next meeting, he turned to me as the first order of business. “On the black paint,” he said, “you were right about the advantages, and I was wrong.” He handed me a quarter. It was a rare win. So Kelly approved my idea of painting the airplane black, and by the time our prototype rolled out, the airplane became known as the Blackbird.

― Ben R. Rich, Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years of Lockheed

~Linda Sheffield

@Habubrats71 via X

[aresdifesa]

Missili AMRAAM e RAM per la Germania In Germania la Commissione Bilancio del Bundestag, il Parlamento Federale, ha approvato due programmi relativi l’acquisto di missili RIM-116 RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) per la Marina e di missili AMRAAM per l’Aeronautica. In particolare, i parlamentare hanno autorizzato l’acquisto di missili RIM-116 RAM Block 2B per  372,6 milioni di euro che saranno stanziati dal Fondo Speciale cd. “Bundeswehr” da 100 miliardi di euro approvato nel 2022. I missili guidati RIM-116 RAM Block 2B saranno consegnati dall’agosto 2029 al novembre 2031. Saranno inoltre conclusi dalla Difesa Tedesca contratti aggiuntivi, anche per l’acquisto di contenitori per il trasporto e lo stoccaggio dei

[ultrajaphunter]

RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile RAM Mk-13 Mk-49 GMLS

[jenniferlinda76]

Titans of the Sea: The Power and Influence of Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carriers

Introduction

Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers represent the pinnacle of naval engineering and strategic military capability. The USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the lead ship of its class, exemplifies the power and versatility of these floating fortresses. Coupled with formidable aircraft like the F/A-18 Hornet, the USS Nimitz and its counterparts serve as crucial assets in projecting military power and maintaining global security. This essay delves into the design, capabilities, and strategic importance of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, with a special focus on the USS Nimitz and its fleet of F/A-18 Hornets.

Evolution of Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carriers

The concept of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers emerged during the Cold War as nations sought to extend the reach and endurance of their naval forces. Unlike conventional diesel-powered ships, nuclear-powered carriers do not require frequent refueling, allowing them to remain deployed for extended periods and operate at higher speeds.

The USS Enterprise (CVN 65), commissioned in 1961, was the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Its success paved the way for the development of the Nimitz-class carriers. The USS Nimitz, commissioned in 1975, was the first of ten nuclear-powered carriers in this class. These ships have since become the backbone of the U.S. Navy, embodying the principles of sustained power projection and rapid response.

Design and Capabilities of the USS Nimitz

The USS Nimitz is an engineering marvel, measuring over 1,092 feet in length and displacing around 100,000 tons. It can accommodate a crew of approximately 5,000 personnel, including the ship's company and the air wing. Its flight deck spans about 4.5 acres, providing ample space for the launch and recovery of various aircraft.

Powered by two A4W nuclear reactors, the USS Nimitz can achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots. These reactors provide the ship with nearly unlimited operational range, limited only by the need for resupply of food and other consumables. The ship's propulsion system, combined with its advanced navigation and control technologies, enables it to maneuver effectively even in challenging conditions.

The USS Nimitz is equipped with a robust suite of defensive systems, including the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow and RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles, which provide protection against aerial threats. Additionally, the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) offers a last line of defense against incoming missiles and aircraft. The ship’s radar and sensor systems ensure comprehensive situational awareness, enhancing its defensive and offensive capabilities.

The Role of F/A-18 Hornets

Fighters like the F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft designed for carrier-based operations. Its versatility allows it to perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and close air support. The Hornet has been a mainstay of the U.S. Navy's air wings since its introduction in the 1980s and continues to be a vital component of carrier strike groups.

The F/A-18 Hornet’s design emphasizes survivability and versatility. It features advanced avionics, reduced radar cross-section, and electronic warfare capabilities, making it a formidable opponent in air combat. Its twin-engine configuration provides redundancy and improved performance, particularly important for operations from the demanding environment of an aircraft carrier.

One of the key advantages of the F/A-18 Hornet is its ability to switch roles rapidly. It can carry a diverse array of ordnance, from air-to-air missiles to precision-guided bombs, enabling it to engage both aerial and ground targets with high effectiveness. This flexibility is crucial for modern naval operations, where threats can emerge from multiple domains simultaneously.

Strategic Importance of the USS Nimitz

The USS Nimitz serves as a mobile airbase, capable of projecting power and deterrence far beyond U.S. territorial waters. Its presence in a region can significantly influence the strategic calculations of potential adversaries. The carrier’s ability to deploy a wide array of aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet, allows it to conduct sustained air operations over extended periods.

One of the primary missions of the USS Nimitz is to ensure freedom of navigation and the security of maritime trade routes. Given that a significant portion of global trade passes through strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the South China Sea, the carrier’s ability to operate in these areas is of paramount importance. Its deployment can reassure allies and deter aggression, contributing to regional stability.

In times of conflict, the USS Nimitz can serve as a command and control hub, coordinating the actions of various naval, air, and ground forces. Its air wing, centered around aircraft like the F/A-18 Hornet, can perform a wide range of missions, from establishing air superiority to providing close air support for ground troops. The carrier’s versatility makes it a critical asset in both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios.

The Future of Carrier Aviation

While the USS Nimitz and its sister ships remain at the forefront of naval power, the future of carrier aviation is evolving. New classes of carriers, such as the Gerald R. Ford-class, incorporate advanced technologies like electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS) and advanced arresting gear (AAG). These innovations aim to improve the efficiency and capability of carrier operations, allowing for the deployment of next-generation aircraft.

Additionally, the integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into carrier air wings represents a significant shift. Drones like the MQ-25 Stingray, designed for aerial refueling, will extend the range and endurance of manned aircraft like the F/A-18 Hornet. This development will enhance the operational flexibility of carrier strike groups, allowing them to project power even further.

Furthermore, advancements in stealth technology and electronic warfare are likely to shape the future composition of carrier air wings. Aircraft like the F-35C Lightning II, with its advanced stealth and sensor capabilities, are expected to complement and eventually replace older platforms like the F/A-18 Hornet. These next-generation fighters will ensure that carrier strike groups remain at the cutting edge of military capability.

Conclusion

Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, epitomized by the USS Nimitz, are critical instruments of naval power and global stability. Their ability to operate independently for extended periods, combined with the versatile capabilities of aircraft like the F/A-18 Hornet, makes them indispensable to modern military strategy. As technological advancements continue to shape the future of carrier aviation, the legacy of the USS Nimitz and its contributions to naval warfare will endure, ensuring that these floating fortresses remain at the heart of American naval dominance for decades to come. The integration of new technologies and platforms will further enhance their operational effectiveness, enabling them to meet the evolving challenges of global security.

[hackernewsrobot]

Rolling Airframe Missile

https://www.navalgazing.net/RAM

[militaryleak]

US State Department Approves Sale of RAM Block 2B Tactical Missiles to Japan

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2B Tactical Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $74.6 million. The Government of Japan has requested to buy up to sixty-three (63) Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2B Tactical Missiles, RIM-116E. Also included are RAM Guided Missile Round Pack Tri-Pack shipping and storage containers; training equipment; manuals; technical documentation; technical and logistic support services; support for establishment of an Intermediate Level Maintenance Facility (ILMF); and other related elements of logistics and program support. The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense Company, Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2B Tactical Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $74.6 million. The Government of Japan has requested to buy up to sixty-three (63) Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Block 2B Tactical Missiles, RIM-116E. Also included are RAM…

[eclecticstarlightblogger]

Αμερικανική εταιρεία παρήγγειλε σε ελληνική αμυντική εταιρεία σύστημα προστασίας πολεμικών πλοίων

Η αμερικανική εταιρεία Raytheon έκανε παραγγελία αξίας 4,16 εκατομμυρίων δολαρίων στην ελληνική αμυντική εταιρεία INTRACOM DEFENSE (IDE) για το Σύστημα Αεροπορικής και Πυραυλικής Άμυνας RAM, γράφει τούρκικο δημοσίευμα. Η παραγγελία αφορά το σύστημα ‘Rolling Airframe Missile’ -RAM, το οποίο στοχεύει στην προστασία των ναυτικών πλατφορμών από αεροπορικές και πυραυλικές επιθέσεις. Η παραγγελία…

[thoughtfullyblogger]

Αμερικανική εταιρεία παρήγγειλε σε ελληνική αμυντική εταιρεία σύστημα προστασίας πολεμικών πλοίων

Η αμερικανική εταιρεία Raytheon έκανε παραγγελία αξίας 4,16 εκατομμυρίων δολαρίων στην ελληνική αμυντική εταιρεία INTRACOM DEFENSE (IDE) για το Σύστημα Αεροπορικής και Πυραυλικής Άμυνας RAM, γράφει τούρκικο δημοσίευμα. Η παραγγελία αφορά το σύστημα ‘Rolling Airframe Missile’ -RAM, το οποίο στοχεύει στην προστασία των ναυτικών πλατφορμών από αεροπορικές και πυραυλικές επιθέσεις. Η παραγγελία…

[defensenow]

USS Boxer (LHD 4) Unleashes RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile: Live-Fire ...

[greekblogs]

Αμερικανική εταιρεία παρήγγειλε σε ελληνική αμυντική εταιρεία σύστημα προστασίας πολεμικών πλοίων

Η αμερικανική εταιρεία Raytheon έκανε παραγγελία αξίας 4,16 εκατομμυρίων δολαρίων στην ελληνική αμυντική εταιρεία INTRACOM DEFENSE (IDE) για το Σύστημα Αεροπορικής και Πυραυλικής Άμυνας RAM, γράφει τούρκικο δημοσίευμα. Η παραγγελία αφορά το σύστημα ‘Rolling Airframe Missile’ -RAM, το οποίο στοχεύει στην προστασία των ναυτικών πλατφορμών από αεροπορικές και πυραυλικές επιθέσεις. Η παραγγελία…

[skandaladiaplokidiafthora]

Αμερικανική εταιρεία παρήγγειλε σε ελληνική αμυντική εταιρεία σύστημα προστασίας πολεμικών πλοίων

Η αμερικανική εταιρεία Raytheon έκανε παραγγελία αξίας 4,16 εκατομμυρίων δολαρίων στην ελληνική αμυντική εταιρεία INTRACOM DEFENSE (IDE) για το Σύστημα Αεροπορικής και Πυραυλικής Άμυνας RAM, γράφει τούρκικο δημοσίευμα. Η παραγγελία αφορά το σύστημα ‘Rolling Airframe Missile’ -RAM, το οποίο στοχεύει στην προστασία των ναυτικών πλατφορμών από αεροπορικές και πυραυλικές επιθέσεις. Η παραγγελία…

[dream2bu]

What’s The Difference Between the Gerald R. Ford-Class and The Nimitz-Class Carriers?

By Dan Doyle

The centerpiece of naval warfare today is the carrier and its strike group. These modern carriers project an immense amount of power anywhere in the world. They do this with speed and efficiency. At present, the United States Navy has 11 active carriers. They are made up of Enterprise- and Nimitz-class carriers, as well as carriers from the newest class, the Gerald R. Ford class.

These carriers are extremely valuable assets, as they are extremely effective deterrents to any potential adversaries. They are designed to bring powerful air support to U.S. and coalition forces afloat, in the air, or on shore, and they can do this rapidly, anywhere in the world.

PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA/UNITED STATES NAVY

USS NIMITZ (CVN 68)

The Nimitz- and Ford-class aircraft carriers are presently the largest warships in the world. The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is the first of its class and is now on active duty. There are two more being built at this time. They are the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) and the Enterprise (CVN 80). There is one more on order, the USS Doris Miller (CVN 81).

The latter Ford-class carrier is to be named after Doris Miller, the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross in WWII. He was a Mess Attendant 2nd Class when the ship he was serving on at Pearl Harbor was hit by bombs on December 7, 1941. During the attack, he helped several of his wounded shipmates and manned an anti-aircraft machine gun, for which he had no training. Despite the lack of formal training on the anti-aircraft machine gun, he shot down 4-6 of the attacking Japanese planes. Miller would be killed in action later in the war when the ship he was then serving on, the escort carrier USS Liscome Bay, was sunk by a torpedo near the Gilbert Islands.

PHOTO: FLICKR/OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PAGE

USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78)

The nuclear-powered Nimitz- and Ford-class carriers are designed for a 50-year service life with a single mid-life refurbishing necessary during that long life. But there are some significant differences between these two classes as well.

The USS Gerald R. Ford has two reactors that can generate 600MW of electrical power vs. the Nimitz-class ships that have one reactor that produces 200MW of electrical power. Another major difference is that the Gerald R. Ford has an electromagnetic catapult system that can generate 25% more sorties (flights) than the Nimitzes’ steam-powered catapult system. The Ford also has a dozen electromagnetic weapons elevators, which makes the movement of planes and armaments much faster and more efficient. This, again, makes the Ford capable of arming and launching more aircraft more quickly.

PHOTO: GETARCHIVE/DEFENSE VISUAL INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

THE FORD-CLASS AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78) AND THE NIMITZ-CLASS AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) TRANSIT THE ATLANTIC OCEAN JUNE 4, 2020.

A third difference between the Nimitz- and Ford-class carriers is that the USS Gerald R. Ford is equipped with technologically more advanced radar systems. It has an AEGIS-style X-Band AN/SPY-3 Aegis radar and S-Band Volume Surveillance Radar, capable of search, track, and multiple missile illumination. This makes it possible to detect incoming aircraft and missiles at a greater distance.

Lastly, the Gerald R. Ford also has more sophisticated defensive armaments. It has two MK.29 missile launchers with eight ESSMs each. It has two Rolling AirFrame missile launchers, as well as four Phalanx Close-In Weapons systems for defense against attacking aircraft, missiles, and small ships.

PHOTO: FLICKR/OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PAGE

USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78)

Because Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers are so new and so much more sophisticated than the Enterprise and Nimtz-class carriers, they have experienced a number of glitches in the various high-tech systems that have been deployed in the design. Those have been worked out, and the USS Gerald R. Ford has recently been deployed fully to the fleet and is on active duty. Those improvements will, of course, be incorporated into the two Ford-class carriers currently under construction and the third that is on order. These Ford-class carriers will eventually completely replace the former Enterprise- and Nimitz-class carriers.

These massive, fast, powerful ships will continue to be the centerpiece of the U.S. Navy’s mission for decades to come. There is nothing quite like a U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group to protect the freedom of the seas and to deter potential adversaries from threatening that freedom.