Raytheon-made SM-3 missile finds ballistic target
The US Navy has conducted a Missile Defense Agency test that saw two Standard Missile-3 Block IBs consecutively launched from the USS Lake Erie against a complex, separating short-range ballistic missile target.
According to Raytheon, the first guided missile successfully destroyed the target using the sheer kinetic force of a massive collision in space.
The second SM-3 was designed to test the ship weapons system’s ability to launch multiple missiles at one time against a threat. An intercept for the second SM-3 was not part of the test scenario.
Taylor Lawrence, president, Raytheon Missile Systems, said: ‘Confidence in the SM-3 Block IB’s defensive capability continues to grow with each flight test. When this weapon deploys in 2015, the US and our allies will have a tremendously reliable, capable defensive asset on their side.’
Mitch Stevison, Raytheon Missile Systems’ SM-3 program director, added: ‘We’re gaining a tremendous amount of information about what this missile can do, and in many instances it is far surpassing design requirements. The SM-3 Block IB is proving it can take on increasingly sophisticated scenarios, and that kind of confidence sets the stage for a production decision.’
The SM-3 is a defensive weapon used by the US and Japan to defend against short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
Based on the SM-3 Block IA, the SM-3 Block IB incorporates an enhanced two-colour infrared seeker and the Throttleable Divert and Attitude Control System, a mechanism that propels the missile toward incoming targets.
More than 155 SM-3s have been delivered to the US and Japanese navies, and Raytheon is on track to deliver the next-generation SM-3 Block IB in 2015. SM-3 Block IB will be deployed in both sea-based and land-based modes.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel]()
A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel
Kraken Technology Group’s A400M airdrop of a K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel points to a new way for navies to insert USVs into contested waters, bypassing ports and motherships.
-
![Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme]()
Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme
By moving most of the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine supply chain into Canada, Babcock Canada is driving to strengthen sovereign sustainment capabilities while preparing to compete to maintain the future Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
-
![From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia]()
From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia
As his final engagement before leaving his post as the head of the British defence staff for Southeast Asia and defence adviser to Singapore, Brigadier Eddie Maskell-Pedersen spoke with Shephard about maritime security, cyber cooperation and long-term partnerships.
-
![Naval primes dive into an underwater acquisition gold rush]()
Naval primes dive into an underwater acquisition gold rush
A cluster of acquisitions by Fincantieri, Thales, Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall points to a race to secure underwater warfare, autonomy and sensing capability.
-
![Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms]()
Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms
Baltic states are investing in mine warfare, uncrewed systems and multirole platforms as major warship purchases remain scarce, industry sources indicate.
