RIM-161 Standard SM-3
Posted on 07/15/2009 12:21:12 AM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
An advanced component of the U.S. missile defense system has been cleared for flight testing beginning next year. The Raytheon Co., which has headquarters in Waltham, Mass., had design work carried out at the company's Missile System facilities in Tucson.
The Standard Missile-3 Block IB program recently completed a critical design review, which will allow for flight tests in 2010 with eventual deployment in Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense systems by the U.S. Department of Defense's Missile Defense Agency, the company said in a release.
"SM-3 Block IB is designed to outpace the evolving ballistic missile threats," Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president, said in the release. "SM-3 Block IA is a mature, proven system that is protecting the United States and its allies today."
SM-3 components are part of the MDA's Aegis system, which is installed on U.S. Aegis cruisers and destroyers to destroy short- or intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the ascent or mid-course sections of flights.
Japanese military vessels have also been outfitted with the systems. Navies from the Netherlands and Spain have taken part in Aegis testing.
Aegis systems, in addition to anti-missile functions, have been considered for use against satellites in low-Earth orbit.
(Excerpt) Read more at spacewar.com ...
RIM-161 Standard SM-3
I think you are looking for this one.
This must be what Obama wants blocked in the defense budget by calling it ‘pork’
Aegis is a very important part of ballistic missile defense. Im sorry about the previous graphic. I have been having computer problems all day.
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