US Navy and Raytheon Test SM-2 Block IIIB During Destroyer Qualification Trials

Released on Friday, March 28, 2008

POINT MUGU, Calif., March 28, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- During combined combat system ship qualification trials, the U.S. Navy's guided missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG-102) flight tested four Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN)-built Standard Missile 2 Block IIIB missiles.

All missiles successfully engaged the extremely stressing targets, which represented a variety of threat scenarios. These latest tests further prove SM-2's high accuracy and reliability.

"This outcome demonstrates the continued success of the government-industry team in making SM-2 the area defense missile of choice for the U.S. Navy and its allies," said Ron Shields, Raytheon's Standard Missile program director.

In addition to the crew of the USS Sampson, the test was supported by personnel from the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Sea Test Range, the Navy's Standard Missile Program Office and Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz.

SM-2 Block IIIB is the latest variant of Standard Missile, adding an infrared seeker and other enhancements to the missile. It has been the Navy's primary surface-to-air fleet air defense weapon for more than three decades. Standard Missile has evolved throughout the years to address emerging threats and remains the most advanced anti-air warfare missile deployed, capable of engaging anti-ship cruise missiles, aircraft and helicopters. SM-2 is operational on guided missile cruisers and destroyers in the U.S. Navy and is in operation with seven allied navies.