June 17, 2009
New missile defense interceptor will provide increased capability
PARIS, -- The Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) Standard Missile-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.
"Completion of this major milestone demonstrates the ability of the joint design team to effectively execute this complex program," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "Development of this next-generation SM-3 will provide even greater protection against the growing ballistic missile threat."
Raytheon Missile Systems is working with Japan's MOD, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the MDA to develop SM-3 Block IIA. Following completion of the design effort, flight tests for SM-3 Block IIA are expected to begin in 2012.
SM-3 is being developed as part of the MDA's and the U.S. Navy's sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. The SM-3 Block IIA program is an outgrowth of the U.S. and Japanese cooperative research program. The missiles will be deployed on Aegis cruisers and destroyers of both nations to defend against short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats.
Standard Missile-3 hit-to-kill successes:
Jan. 25, 2002
June 13, 2002
Nov. 21, 2002
Dec. 11, 2003
Feb. 24, 2005
Nov. 17, 2005
June 22, 2006
April 26, 2007
June 22, 2007
Nov. 6, 2007
Dec. 17, 2007
Feb. 20, 2008 (satellite intercept)
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