SM-6 engages surface target
Raytheon successfully conducted a flight test of its Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) in which the missile engaged a surface target - the decommissioned USS Reuben James (FFG 57) - it was announced on 7 March.
The test was undertaken as part of demonstration work for the US Navy's concept of 'distributed lethality', with ships employed in dispersed formations to increase the offensive might of the surface force and enable future options for the joint force commander.
The USS John Paul Jones fired the SM-6 and an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer on station acted as the assist ship. According to Raytheon, the mission validated that the legacy Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW) capability of the Standard Missile-2 family of missiles and the MK7 Aegis Weapon System (AWS) has successfully carried over to SM-6 and the latest Aegis Destroyer baseline 9.
Taylor Lawrence, president, Raytheon Missile Systems, said: ‘This test event demonstrated Raytheon's decades of continued technological development and partnership with the US Navy. The ability to leverage the SM family and the legacy AWS in newly fielded systems brings additional warfighting capability to the US fleet.'
The SM-6 provides tri-mission capability (Anti-Air Warfare, Sea-Based Terminal and ASUW) for long-range sea-based terminal defence and fleet air defence. It incorporates the guidance control and signal processing capabilities of Raytheon's advanced medium-range air-to-air missile. It uses both semi-active and active guidance modes and advanced fuzing techniques.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers to upgrade the MK 41 VLS]()
US Navy seeks suppliers to upgrade the MK 41 VLS
The US Navy has been preparing to award a contract for the refurbishment of MK 41 VLS on board USN vessels and other military type ships.
-
![Philippine Navy looks to old and new vessels to beef up its fleet]()
Philippine Navy looks to old and new vessels to beef up its fleet
The Philippines has turned to regional neighbours Japan and South Korea in a effort to boost its naval fleet with new and ex-Japanese ships. The bonds between the countries is an acknowledgment of the rising power of China and the continued manoeuvres of the Asian giant throughout the region.
-
![US Navy prepares the next phase of the Arleigh Burke-class modernisation]()
US Navy prepares the next phase of the Arleigh Burke-class modernisation
The NAVSEA is carrying out market research and will conduct industry days in August to identify potential providers for the DDG MOD 2.0 stage.
-
![Pentagon requests industry support to address issues with low-cost undersea effectors]()
Pentagon requests industry support to address issues with low-cost undersea effectors
The US Pentagon Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) will award OTAs for small and medium affordable uncrewed underwater vehicles. Companies can submit their solution until 24 July.
