The RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile is a small, lightweight, infrared homing surface-to-air missile in use by the United States and German Navy. It is intended primarily as a point-defense weapons against anti-ship cruise missiles. The missile uses the same fuses, warhead and rocket motor of the AIM-9 Sidewinder, and the same seeker head as the FIM-92 Stinger. It rolls inflight to provide stability.

The RAM homes in on active radiation emitted from a target, until it picks up an infrared target signature. The onboard Mk 49 launcher installation weighs 5,777 kilograms and stores 21 missiles. This weapon is integrated with the AN/SWY-2 combat system on certain ships and the Ship Self Defense System onboard Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships.

The RIM-116 was developed by General Dynamics under a July 1976 agreement with Denmark and West Germany. The first 30 were built under FY 85 and became operation on November 14 1992 aboard USS Peleliu (LHA-5). The Navy hopes to purchase 1,600 RAMs and 115 launchers to equip 74 ships. The RIM-116 is currently used on 60 American and German warships. Greece and South Korea have also signed procurement contracts.

General Characteristics (Block 1)

• Primary Function: Surface-to-Air missile
• Contractor: Areo Dynamics , RAM Systems Germany
• Length: 2780 mm
• Diamter: 127 mm
• Fin span: 445 mm
• Speed: Mach 2.0+
• Warhead: 11.3 kg blast fragmentation
• Launch Weight: 73.5 kg
• Range: 7.5 km
• Guidance System: three modes: passive radio frequency/infrared homing, infrared only, or infrared dual mode enable (radio frequency and infrared homing)
• Unit Cost: $444,000
• Date Deployed: 1992