SeaRAM is a low-cost spiral development of the proven Phalanx Block 1B and RAM, the latter produced jointly by Raytheon and RAMSYS of Germany. Intended to enlarge Phalanx's keep-out range against sea-skimming anti-ship missiles, SeaRAM utilizes enhanced Phalanx sensors and replaces the M61A1 20 mm gun with an 11-round RAM missile guide. In addition, SeaRAM will likely bring the first U.S. Navy implementation of the RAM Block 1A Helicopter, Aircraft, and Surface (HAS) capability to the fleet.

In May 2004, the U.S. Navy announced General Dynamics would develop a detailed LCS design, with the provision for construction of a prototype of this new high-speed surface ship for delivery in 2006. The General Dynamics LCS features an innovative trimaran hull enabling the ship to reach sustainable speeds of nearly 50 knots and range as far as 10,000 nautical miles.

"SeaRAM provides a self-contained ship defense capability that leverages Phalanx's proven multi-spectral sensors with the demonstrated lethality of the RAM missile," said Troy Oberg, Raytheon's SeaRAM program manager in Tucson, Ariz. "Raytheon will work with General Dynamics to integrate SeaRAM with the LCS's combat management system in order to provide proven and highly lethal self-defense capability to the ship as well as the new HAS technology."

In 2001 Raytheon provided an engineering model of SeaRAM to the United Kingdom's Royal Navy for suitability testing. In 2002 Raytheon, in conjunction with the U.S. Navy, successfully launched four blast test vehicles, which measured rocket motor forces. The launches also confirmed SeaRAM's forward-looking infrared sensor can withstand multiple launches without damage.

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