US Navy Flight Tests New Raytheon SM-2 Target Detecting Device

(Point Mugu, Calif., January 22, 2009) -- The U.S. Navy flight tested Raytheon Company's new Standard Missile-2 target detecting device. The SM-2 Block IIIB flight was the lowest altitude intercept to date using the new device, which enhances the SM-2's ability to detect and destroy threats.

The missile was fired from USS STERETT (DDG-104) during combined combat system ship qualification trials. The test flights included additional SM-2 Block IIIA, SM-2 Block IIIB and SM-2 Block III missiles. The missiles engaged multiple targets under stressing conditions representing a variety of threat scenarios.


"These tests demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of SM-2 as it continues to evolve," said Ron Shields, Raytheon Missile Systems Standard Missile program director. "The SM-2's ability to successfully employ this new target detecting device against challenging targets enhances the missile's usefulness to the warfighter."

SM-2 Block IIIB is an anti-air warfare weapon system deployed by the U.S. Navy for long-range ship self defense and has a range of 90 nautical miles (167 km or 103 statute miles). The SM-2 Block IIIB missile adds an infrared seeker to its proven guidance section to defeat target countermeasures and provide enhanced performance against supersonic, high-G maneuvering sea skimming air-to-surface missiles.

"This test once again proves why SM-2 is the U.S. Navy's front line self-defense weapon," said Kirk Johnson, U.S. Navy's Standard Missile program manager. "SM-2 provides the warfighter with the most modern solution against air-to-surface missiles, and it continues to evolve to meet our future needs."

Source : Raytheon