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Standard Missile-3 Achieves 15th Hit-to-Kill Intercept in Space
Date posted: 08/18/2009*
A Raytheon-built Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IA destroyed a short-range ballistic missile target in space on July 30. The test marked the 15th hit-to-kill intercept for SM-3 and the 19th missile intercept of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense program.
"SM-3 is a mature and proven solution for defeating threat ballistic missiles," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "This intercept proved once again that SM-3 is the right choice for protecting the U.S. and its allies.”
The target ballistic missile was launched from the U.S. Navy's Pacific Missile Range on Kauai while the crew of the guided missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG-70) fired the SM-3.
Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System
SM-3 is being developed as part of the Missile Defense Agency's sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. The missiles are deployed on U.S. Aegis cruisers and destroyers and Japanese destroyers to defend against short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats in the ascent and midcourse phases of flight. Raytheon is also developing the kinetic warhead for SM-3.
SM-3 Block IB Completes Critical Design Review
Earlier this year, the SM-3 Block IB program completed a critical design review, clearing the way for a 2010 flight test and eventual deployment to the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Systems.
SM-3 Block IB offers significant improvements compared with Block IA. The upgraded missile features a two-color infrared seeker with advanced signal processing, which enables longer-range target acquisition and enhanced threat discrimination. A new throttleable divert and attitude control system improves SM-3 Block IB flexibility in flight control and reduces cost.
SM-3 Block IIA Completes Joint System Design Review
Also this year, Raytheon announced that the SM-3 Block IIA program completed the joint system design review with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD). The review verified that missile requirements are defined, and the program can progress to the preliminary design phase.
The new missile will provide greater engagement capability against a wider variety of ballistic missile threats and give the warfighter increased flexibility in protecting U.S. and allied forces.
"Development of this next-generation SM-3 will provide even greater protection against the growing ballistic missile threat," Lawrence added.
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