Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0

[OldTex]

Perhaps the 2024 IIP is showing effectively place markers to cover potential future upgrades to the Phalanx CIWS. It doesn't mean that there are currently upgrades past the Block 1B2 standard.
The other thing with the future introduction of the SeaRam CIWS through GPF acquisition is that it may mean that the existing Phalanx mounts could be transferred to the LHDs, AORs, LSD etc and new SeaRam's replace them on the MFUs (with some other adjustments due to the differences in weight between Phalanx and SeaRam - 13,600lbs vs 17,800 lbs according to USN fact files)

A description of the RAM CIWS (from seaforces.org):
The Rolling Airframe Missiles, together with the Mk 49 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS) and support equipment, comprise the RAM Mk 31 Guided Missile Weapon System (GMWS). The Mk-144 Guided Missile Launcher (GML) unit weighs 5,777 kilograms (12,736 lb) and stores 21 missiles. The original weapon cannot employ its own sensors prior to firing so it must be integrated with a ship's combat system, which directs the launcher at targets.

The description for the SeaRam CIWS (Mk 15 Mod 31) is:
The SeaRAM combines the radar and electro-optical system of the Phalanx CIWS Mk-15 Block 1B (CRDC) with an 11-cell RAM launcher to produce an autonomous system - one which does not need any external information to engage threats. Like the Phalanx, SeaRAM can be fitted to any class of ship.

 

[Salinger]

At the very least, the Self-Defense Forces consider the Phalanx to be useless. Regarding the Searam, the 30FFM does not carry reloading personnel onboard; it returns to base where support personnel load the ammunition.

 

[Joe Black]

Raytheon is definitely starting to promote RAM and SeaRAM, as shown in this year's Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition:

Will Taylor talking all things RAM | Raytheon Australia

Will Taylor talking all things RAM at Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition ▶️ Watch now!

www.linkedin.com

 

[spoz]

At the very least, the Self-Defense Forces consider the Phalanx to be useless. Regarding the Searam, the 30FFM does not carry reloading personnel onboard; it returns to base where support personnel load the ammunition.

If so, that is a matter of choice on the part of the JMSDF; however limiting yourself to only 11 shots from your CIWS seems a bit odd. Sea RAM’s whole concept is for it to be reloaded at sea. Should the RAN wish to do that (and I would be very surprised if it doesn’t) it will.

For those that may not be aware, the RAN doesn’t have dedicated ammunition handlers. It is a duty performed at action stations and in defence watches by what are known as day workers - cooks, stewards, stores bashers, those sort of people.

 

[SammyC]

If so, that is a matter of choice on the part of the JMSDF; however limiting yourself to only 11 shots from your CIWS seems a bit odd. Sea RAM’s whole concept is for it to be reloaded at sea. Should the RAN wish to do that (and I would be very surprised if it doesn’t) it will.

For those that may not be aware, the RAN doesn’t have dedicated ammunition handlers. It is a duty performed at action stations and in defence watches by what are known as day workers - cooks, stewards, stores bashers, those sort of people.

I would have thought this relates more to magazine space and handling systems.

There should be a magazine in the hangar to support the helo (lightweight torpedo storage) which could be used.

I think a RIM116 however weighs in around 80kg a pop, so it would need a winching system from the hangar (a sailor would not be carrying this up a ladder on his shoulder).

I can't see one in the models or photos, so it may only be configured for reloading from a shore crane.

 

[ADMk2]

If so, that is a matter of choice on the part of the JMSDF; however limiting yourself to only 11 shots from your CIWS seems a bit odd. Sea RAM’s whole concept is for it to be reloaded at sea. Should the RAN wish to do that (and I would be very surprised if it doesn’t) it will.

For those that may not be aware, the RAN doesn’t have dedicated ammunition handlers. It is a duty performed at action stations and in defence watches by what are known as day workers - cooks, stewards, stores bashers, those sort of people.

I guess that 11x round magazine compares reasonably well with the 20mm ammunition magazine of the Phalanx itself though? I know that can of course be reloaded, but how many engagements can the drum magazine manage before it too is spent? 11x by chance?

 

[SammyC]

I guess that 11x round magazine compares reasonably well with the 20mm ammunition magazine of the Phalanx itself though? I know that can of course be reloaded, but how many engagements can the drum magazine manage before it too is spent? 11x by chance?

I think you get about 20 seconds out of a Phalanx magazine. I would have thought each engagement is at least a few seconds, so perhaps 4-8 targets if you are lucky.

On the view that a Searam would fire two shots per engagement, then it probably has a similar capacity to the Phalanx before reloading is required.