Ram (rocket)

For the RAM missile, see RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile.
RAM

RAM (lower) and HVAR rockets mounted on a F4U Corsair
Type Air-to-surface rocket
Place of origin United States
Service history
In service 1950–54
Used by United States Navy
Production history
Manufacturer Naval Ordnance Test Station
Produced 1944–55
Specifications
Diameter 6.5 inches (165 mm)
Warhead High explosive
Engine Solid-fuel rocket
Operational
range
 3 miles (4.8 km)
Guidance
system
 None

The RAM, also known as the 6.5-Inch Anti-Tank Aircraft Rocket or ATAR, was an air-to-ground rocket used by the United States Navy during the Korean War. Developed rapidly, the rocket proved successful but was phased out shortly after the end of the conflict.

Design and development

In 1950, the outbreak of the Korean War resulted in the United States Navy urgently requiring an aircraft-launched rocket that would be effective against enemy tanks,[1] as the existing "Holy Moses" high-velocity aircraft rocket was expected to be ineffective against the armor of IS-3 heavy tanks.[2]

The development of an improved rocket was undertaken with remarkable speed; a directive to start work on the project was issued on July 6, 1950, and the first rockets were delivered to the war zone on July 29.[3] Over the course of those 23 days, the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, located in China Lake, California, developed an improved version of the HVAR, with a new, 6.5 inches (165 mm) shaped-charge warhead replacing the earlier weapon's 5 inches (127 mm) charge.[1] The fuse for the shaped charge, developed with the same haste as the rocket itself, was considered dangerous, but proved to be safe enough in service; it was described as being "[not] as dangerous as the Russian tanks" it was designed to destroy.[4]

The RAM was described as being superior in armour penetration to the conventional bazooka's warhead,[3] being capable of penetrating 15 inches (381 mm) to 18 inches (457 mm) of armor plate.[5][6]

Operational history

Officially designated the 6.5-Inch Anti-Tank Aircraft Rocket (ATAR), and commonly known in service as "RAM", the new rocket was rushed to the Korean front,[1] being used in combat for the first time on August 16, 1950.[3] Despite the haste with which the weapon had been developed, the very first shipment included a full set of documentation and firing tables for the use of the rocket.[7] The first 600 rockets were constructed by hand,[2] but a production line was rapidly set up.[3]

In operational service, the RAM was fitted to the F-51 Mustang, F-80 Shooting Star and F4U Corsair aircraft,[8] and it proved to be moderately effective,[1] with the first 150 rockets fired scoring "at least" eight confirmed kills of North Korean tanks.[8] However, the rocket proved to be unpopular with pilots, due to the close approach to the target required for accurate firing execution; the HVAR offered a longer range, while napalm was considered more effective if the range had to be closed.[9] With the end of the war in 1953, the ATAR was withdrawn from service,[9] improved versions of the HVAR having become available as an alternative.[1]

See also

References

Ram rockets on a F8F Bearcat
Notes
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Parsch 2004
  2. 1 2 Babcock 1998, p.177
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Navy Rockets Hit Reds" U.S. Navy: Naval History and Heritage Command. Accessed 2011-01-08
  4. ↑ Babcock 1998, p.179
  5. ↑ C. C. Lauritsen, Pre-NOTS Caltech Rocket Programs, The China Laker, Winter 2010, p. 3
  6. ↑ Babcock 1998, p.181
  7. ↑ Babcock 1998, p.183
  8. 1 2 Babcock 1998, p.184
  9. 1 2 Babcock 1998, p.189
Bibliography
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