Raytheon's SM-6 Surface-to-Air Missile Shatters Engagement Distance Record

: Posted On Monday, 07 March 2016 17:15

Naval Defense Industry News - USA

Raytheon's SM-6 Surface-to-Air Missile Shatters Engagement Distance Record

Raytheon's Standard Missile-6, successfully engaged five targets and shattered its previous maximum engagement range record, set in June of 2014. This test series, supported by the Cooperative Engagement Capability, validated the tactical warfighting capability of SM-6, by demonstrating both maximum down range and a maximum cross range intercepts in over-the-horizon, engage-on-remote missions.

An SM-6 is launched from a Mk41 VLS. Picture: US Navy

"These tests demonstrate the full warfighting potential of SM-6 and its proven multi-mission value," said Dr. Taylor Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "The versatility of SM-6 makes it deployable on 60 surface combatants in the fleet, providing additional layers of capability and protection."

The USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG 53), configured with AEGIS Baseline 9.C1, executed the series of four missions with five SM-6 missiles for Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation, part of the final testing leading to a likely declaration of Full Operational Capability in 2017.

The USS GRIDLEY (DDG 101) was on station to perform as the AEGIS assist ship for the engage-on-remote missions. The tests also proved the ability of SM-6 to conduct complex, multiple target scenarios.

SM-6 is a key component of the U.S. Navy's Naval Integrated Fire Control – Counter Air mission, providing U.S. Navy sailors and their vessels extended range protection against fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise and ballistic missiles.

The SM-6 deployed for the first time in 2013, and Raytheon has delivered more than 250 missiles. The missile's final assembly takes place at Raytheon's state-of-the-art SM-6 and SM-3 all-up-round production facility at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala.

USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53)
(Picture: US Navy)

About the Standard Missile-6
SM-6 delivers a proven over-the-horizon air defense capability by leveraging the time-tested advantages of the Standard Missile's airframe and propulsion.
The SM-6 uses both active and semiactive guidance modes and advanced fuzing techniques.
It incorporates the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities from Raytheon's Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile.
SM-6 delivers multi-mission capability for long range Fleet Air Defense and Sea-Based Terminal Defense

About the Cooperative Engagement Capability
Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) is a real-time sensor netting system that enables high quality situational awareness and integrated fire control capability, improving battle force effectiveness and enabling longer range, cooperative, multiple, or layered engagement strategies. Currently deployed on 75 naval ships and 48 aircraft, 10 U.S. Marine Corps network systems, and approved for export to four countries, CEC continues to evolve, benefitting from developments in core technologies, which have advanced the system in both capability and affordability.