"Raytheon
is continually working to increase the overall reliability of the highly
dependable SM-3, reflecting the MDA's commitment to mature this capability
for the defense of our nation, deployed forces, and our allies,"
said Dr. Mitch Stevison, Raytheon Air & Missile Defense vice president.
"SM-3 continues to demonstrate its versatility and reliability,
providing an extraordinary level of protection from sea or land."
During the mission at the U.S. Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility
in Hawaii, sailors on board the USS Hopper launched two SM-3 Block IBs.
Target intercepts were not included in the scenarios.
About the Standard Missile-3
SM-3 destroys incoming ballistic missile threats in space using nothing
more than sheer impact, equivalent to a 10-ton truck traveling at 600
mph.
More than 250 SM-3s have been delivered to date.
SM-3 Block IB is deployed at sea and ashore
SM-3 Block IIA is on track for deployment at sea and ashore in Poland
in the 2018 timeframe |