Raytheon's Standard Missile-6 had a pair of successful intercepts during recent testing highlighting the system's ability to use targeting information provided from a remote source.
The "engage on remote" scenario involved two SM-6s launched from the USS Chancellorsville against anti-ship and cruise missile targets. The scenario included the SM-6s being launched prior to its own radars detecting the incoming threats, and instead using targeting information from the USS Sampson, another Aegis ship in the area.
The first SM-6 intercepted a low-altitude, short-range supersonic target while the second intercepted a low-altitude, medium-range subsonic target. The SM-6 and Standard Missile-3 are produced at Raytheon's testing and integration center at Redstone Arsenal.
"Advanced warning and cueing from another sensor or ship allows the U.S. Navy to take full advantage of SM-6's over-the-horizon capability," said Mike Campisi, Standard Missile-6 senior program director. "Now the warfighter does not have to wait until the threat is knocking at the door to take it out. Targets are destroyed much sooner and one ship can defend a much larger area."
The SM-6 was deployed for the first time in 2013, and provides the Navy extended range protection against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. Raytheon has delivered more than 130 SM-6 interceptors to the U.S. Navy.