Test Missile Intercepts Aerial Drone

The US Navy successfully conducted the first test recently of the Standard Missile 6 extended range anti-air warfare missile produced by Raytheon.

The missile, launched from the Navy's Desert Ship at the White Sands Missile Range, successfully intercepted a BQM-74 aerial drone using the newly developed SM-6 active seeker. The active seeker autonomously acquired and engaged the target using the Navy's legacy command system, resulting in a direct hit. This launch demonstrates the first successful integration of the Navy's active missile technology into the weapon system to provide for both near-term advanced anti-air warfare and future over-the-horizon capability.

Standard Missile 6 is being developed by Raytheon to meet the Navy's requirement for an extended range anti-air warfare missile. Expected to deploy in 2011, it provides capability against fixed and rotary wing aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles and delivers a transformational over-the-horizon counter to the ever-evolving cruise missile threat.

"Standard Missile 6 is the latest advance in Raytheon's ongoing commitment to the Navy and its allies," said Frank Wyatt, Raytheon Missile Systems' vice president of the Naval Weapons Systems product line. "This test proves that Raytheon is on track to deliver this solution to the Navy as scheduled."

Employing the Standard Missile-2 Block IVA airframe and the newly developed active sensor, Standard Missile 6 will also have an inherent capability to fulfill the Navy's sea-based terminal ballistic missile defense requirement.

FMI: www.raytheon.com/