Missile SLAMRAAM
Summary
| Category | Surface-to-Air Missile |
| Sub-type | Radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon / Hughes |
Technical specifications
| SLAMRAAM | |
|---|---|
| Warhead | High Explosive |
| Diameter | 177 mm (7.0 in) |
| Span | 525 mm (20.7 in) |
| Length | 3660 mm (144.1 in) |
| Weight | 150 kg (331 lb) |
| Range | 75 km (47 mi) |
Description
The SLAMRAAM (Surfaced-Launched Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) is an American ground-based air defense system developed by Raytheon. It's essentially a land-based version of the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), modified for surface launch against airborne targets. SLAMRAAM was developed to provide a more modern, mobile and flexible air defense system capable of engaging a variety of threats including aircraft, helicopters, and even some types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles.
The system employs the AIM-120 missile, which features active radar guidance, giving it "fire-and-forget" capabilities. Once the missile is launched, its onboard radar activates in the terminal phase of flight to autonomously guide itself to the target, freeing the operator for other tasks.
The SLAMRAAM system is designed to be highly mobile and can be mounted on various platforms, such as wheeled or tracked vehicles. This makes it capable of rapid deployment and repositioning, allowing it to adapt quickly to changing tactical situations. The launcher can hold up to six AIM-120 missiles, providing a substantial firepower.
Operational range and altitude limitations for SLAMRAAM would be slightly different than the air-launched AIM-120, given differences in launch platforms and initial kinetic energy, but it is still designed for medium-range engagements.
One of the strengths of SLAMRAAM is its ability to integrate with existing air defense networks and radar systems, allowing for a coordinated and layered air defense strategy. This can make it a formidable part of a larger integrated air defense system (IADS).
Despite its capabilities, SLAMRAAM has faced some obstacles in terms of adoption. The U.S. Army had plans for integrating SLAMRAAM as part of its air defense network, but funding and other challenges have caused delays and reconsiderations.