USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) launches a Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) during a live-fire test of the ship’s aegis weapons system. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
The USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) used a Raytheon Company Standard Missile-6 to destroy a supersonic high altitude target drone (AQM-37). The test moves the program one step closer to full operational capability.
Deployed for the first time in December 2013, SM-6 provides the U.S. Navy extended range protection against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.
“SM-6 is the longest range integrated air and missile defense interceptor deployed today,” said Mike Campisi, Standard Missile-6 senior program director. “Its ability to use sensors to support engagement of threats beyond the ship radar’s horizon also makes it the most advanced extended range area defense weapon in existence.”
Raytheon has delivered more than 100 SM-6 interceptors to the U.S. Navy. The missile’s final assembly takes place at Raytheon’s state-of-the-art SM-6 and SM-3 all-up-round production facility at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala.
About the Standard Missile-6
SM-6 delivers a proven over-the-horizon air defense capability by leveraging the time-tested advantages of the Standard Missile’s airframe and propulsion.
- The SM-6 uses both active and semiactive guidance modes and advanced fuzing techniques.
- It incorporates the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities from Raytheon’s Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile.
