The Ram-AT (Photo IAI)
28/3/2012 IsraelDefense
An armored vehicle intended for detecting and destroying tanks with four laser-guided NIMROD SR missiles installed onboard
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is unveiling the RAM-AT for the first time – an armored vehicle intended for detecting and destroying tanks. The RAM-AT will be displayed at the FIDAE 2012 Air Show, taking place between March 27-30 in Santiago, Chile.
The new armored vehicle is based on the RAM MK3 vehicle developed and produced by IAI's Ramta division in Be’er Sheva. The RAM-AT’s primary weapon system includes four NIMROD SR (Short Range) laser-guided missiles mounted on a hydraulic platform that allows for covert and protected storage for moving and lifting the missile launcher into firing position.
The NIMROD SR missiles were developed by IAI’s MBT Missiles division, and are suited to operate from within terrestrial vehicles, tanks, helicopters, and even from cruisers. The target for the NIMROD SR missile can be marked by the launch vehicle, by another ground-based marker, or by an aerial laser marker. The NIMROD SR missile has a range of up to 8 km when launched from the RAM-AT.
Developed after a long period of testing in combat conditions, the vehicle is based on lessons learned from recent wars. In particular, the system fulfills the need for a mobile antitank combat system that is operationally capable in all terrain conditions and carries advanced and efficient weapon systems such as precise laser-guided missiles.
“The lethal combination of strength and firepower on a platform with a high level of navigability allows a mobile fighting force to take advantage of extreme terrain conditions to achieve a tactical advantage. This is done by combining two proven combat systems coordinated for operations against armored enemy forces, wherever it might be," say a senior Ramta official.
IAI will display various products and technological solutions during the FIDAE 2012 Air Show. These include the Barak-8 air defense system, the Heron UAV, the Panther tactical UAV intended for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), advanced and designated payloads, and early-warning systems.
