The SM-3 is a defensive weapon used by the U.S. Navy to destroy short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The SM-3 destroys incoming ballistic missile threats by colliding with them, a concept sometimes described as “hitting a bullet with a bullet.” The impact is the equivalent of a 10-ton truck traveling at 600 mph.

In a recent test, a new version of the U.S. Navy’s premier missile interceptor destroyed a complex, separating target high above the Pacific Ocean, moving the SM-3 program one step closer to a decision on full-rate production. SM-3 Block IB has an improved, two-color infrared seeker and an advanced system of guidance rockets, the Throttleable Divert and Attitude Control System, that helps steer the missile’s kill vehicle into the target’s path.

The SM-3 program is a critical piece of the United States’ Phased Adaptive Approach for missile defense.
 

SM-3 infographic and desktop wallpaper:

RMS Product SM-3 Infographic Icon RMS Product SM-3 Screen Saver
Infographic:
The Evolution of
Standard Missile 3
1920 x 1080
2048 x 1536

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Facts about the SM-3 program:

  • More than 130 SM-3s have been delivered to U.S. and Japanese navies ahead of schedule and under cost.
  • 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.

The improved SM-3 Block IB has:

  • A Throttleable Divert and Attitude Control System, also known as the TDACS.
    • Uses short bursts of precision propulsion to steer the missile toward incoming targets
  • An enhanced, two-color infrared seeker


Product Line: Air & Missile Defense

 

 

 

 

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