SM-6 interceptor undergoes ‘engage on remote’ tests
The Raytheon Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) interceptor has successfully intercepted targets in ‘engage on remote’ tests conducted as part of the US Navy’s Combat Ship System Qualification Trials.
Conducted from USS Chancellorsville, the trial saw two SM-6 interceptors tested against anti-ship and cruise missile targets. The ship launched the SM-6 interceptors prior to its own radars ‘seeing’ the incoming threats, using targeting information from another Aegis ship in the area - the USS Sampson.
Raytheon reported that the first SM-6 intercepted a low-altitude, short-range supersonic target, while the second intercepted a low-altitude, medium-range subsonic target.
Mike Campisi, Standard Missile-6 senior program director, said: ‘Advanced warning and cueing from another sensor or ship allows the US Navy to take full advantage of SM-6’s over-the-horizon capability. Now the warfighter does not have to wait until the threat is knocking at the door to take it out. Targets are destroyed much sooner and one ship can defend a much larger area.’
SM-6 is designed to provide the US Navy with extended range protection against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. The system uses both active and semi-active guidance modes and advanced fuzing techniques, and incorporates the signal processing and guidance control capabilities from the company’s Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile.
More than 130 SM-6 interceptors have been delivered to the US Navy to date.
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.
-
![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.
