Ram (rocket)

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, as the existing High Velocity Aircraft Rocket (HVAR) high-velocity aircraft rocket was expected to be ineffective against the armor of IS-3 heavy tanks. Claimed as being superior in armor penetration to the conventional 3.5 inch bazooka's warhead, which could penetrate of armor, the RAM's warhead was capable of penetrating of armor plate. ==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, The first 600 rockets were constructed by hand, but a production line was rapidly set up. 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. With the end of the war in 1953, the ATAR was withdrawn from service, improved versions of the HVAR having become available as an alternative. ==See also==