SM-6 Update
Wednesday, 03 February 2010 09:39
MSMF discussed the SM-6 program with Ron Shields, director, Raytheon’s Standard Missile Program, during last month’s Surface Navy Association conference in Crystal City.
The SM-6 acquisition and development strategies include building on legacy SM hardware: the MK 72 Booster (SM-3, SM-2 Blk IV); and MK 104 Rocket Motor (SM-2, SM-2 Blk IV, SM-3), and other components. The missile will have an active and semi-active modes – with the latter leveraging the AMRAAM’s HPRF mode and rear data link.
In January, the SM-6 successfully completed its fourth guided test vehicle launch and land-test schedule – clearing the way for the missile's at-sea testing this year. With that milestone, the SM-6 also enters low-rate initial production. “There is three years [through 2012] of LRIP and then we are in full-rate production,” Shields said. ♦