re: PLAN Type 052 Class Destroyer
Whats the main advantage and drawbacks of RAM vs CIWS?
They are complimentary systems.
RAM stands for rolling airframe missile. It is a system that holds 21 missiles that are essentially the most modern sidewinder missiles with a Stinger missile seeker added so you also get the very good infrared targeting of the stinger, with programming and hardware upgrades to allow the missile to shoot down incoming missiles of all sorts, from sub-mach sea skimmers, to multiple-mach missiles. It has a range of about 6 miles.
The Phalanx Close in Weapons System (CIWS) is a rotating six barrel gun system (20 mm in US Service) that fires 4,500 rounds per minute out to a range of 2 miles to target incoming missiles by basically putting up a wall of steel for them to collide with.
As stated, the two systems compliment each other and that is why on Carriers, large amphibious assault ships, etc. both system are used in tandem. Usually at least one of each on each end of the ship.
More Recently, the SeaRAM system has been developed which uses the guidance system of the Phalanx (the White Dome) and couples an 11 round RAM missile magazine with it.
So, the RAM has a very good hit rate in tests and has greater range, and with two of the 21 missile systems aboard, you have 42 missiles for close in anti-missile work.
The Phalanx CIWS also has a very decent hit rate and is more of a last ditch defense. (At two miles a high mach missile is covering that amount of ground in literally seconds time). One of the draw backs of the CIWS is that if you score a hit too late, even though you may destroy the incoming missile, its momentum will carry the wreckage of the missile itself into the ship just the same, doing less damage than a intact missile, but capable of inflicting significant damage just the same.
So hitting the incoming missile at some good distance from the ship (1/2 mile or more) is most desirable.
All of this is a part of a defense in depth strategy against aircraft and missiles that will usually include, in a group of ships with CGs and/or DDGs to escort the Carriers or large Amphibious ships, the following missile types:
Standard Missiles (VLS on DDGs and CGs) for mid to long range intercepts out to 200 miles.
- SM-1 MR out to 25 miles (out of service with US Navy, allies still use)
- SM-1 ER out to 40 miles (out of service with US Navy, allies still use)
- SM-2 MR out to 100 miles (US Navy principle MR missile)
- SM-2 ER out to 200 miles (US Navy Principle ER missile)
- SM-3 out to 300 miles (US Navy Ballistic Missile Defense missile)
- SM-6 out to 150 miles (New US Navy Dual seeker missile, initial block, initial operation 2013)
Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (VLS of Box launched on CGs, DDGs, Carriers & Amphibs) for mid range intercepts out to 30 miles.
RAM (on Carriers Ampohibs, etc.) for short range out to 6 miles
CIWS (on carriers, amphibs, DDGs and CGs) for very short range out to 2 miles.
