"THE SUNBURN MISSILE: THE WEAPON THAT COULD DEFEAT THE US IN THE GULF"

by Qwibqwib , Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 22:24 @ Mother_Of_The_World

This is a great article, and the writer makes some good points. Thanks for posting! This kind of information NEEDS to get out, so we (as a nation) realize that this is not a video game! This is real and lots of people will die, Americans too!

That being said, the RIM-116(RAM) or rolling AIRFRAME missle, is actually very effective in anti missile defense. It has been in service since 1985, and it has been tested in "combat". It has largely replaced the "phalanx" close defense system. Not to be a stickler, but it is kind of silly for the author to assert that the "Phalanx" system is in use on aircraft carriers.

"The missile is currently active aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, Wasp-class amphibious assault ships, Tarawa-class amphibious assault ships, San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships, Whidbey-Island class dock landing ships, Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ships, Littoral combat ships(LCS), and the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65).[3] There are plans in place to equip Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates with RAM launchers." <-Preceding from Wiki.

The replacement process has been in full swing since 1985! There is even a hybrid RAM/PHALANX, including the electro-optical (electronic eye which can INTELLIGENTLY determine missiles, and missile smoke and plumes, from wave crests and seagulls) sensor, to form a self contained, autonimous anti missile defense system. This system needs no input from external sources and can be dropped onto the deck of ANY ship that is large enoungh. There is an upgrade (HAS or Helicopter, Aircraft, and Surface targets) which allows for use in other roles besides anti missile. This can make any ship (like a fishing trawler or a cruise ship) into a guided missile frigate. Wiki Here

My guess is that every ship that the Navy has in the gulf is equipped with both the hard wired version of RIM-116(upgraded with H.A.S.) AND augmented with SEA RAM Autominous weapons systems. In the event of hostilities, it would be a safe estimation to assume one or two hits to frigate class or destroyer class boats. THIS, OF COURSE, IS UNACCEPTABLE! Something would have to go SERIOUSLY wrong for there to be actual hits to aircraft carriers. Just my .02

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Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.
John Adams