US Navy deploys Standard Missile-6 for first time - Dec 2, 2013

US Navy deploys Standard Missile-6 for first time - Dec 2, 2013

Navy deploys Raytheon's Standard Missile-6

The Standard ERAM is a two stage missile with a booster stage and a second stage. It is similar in appearance to the RIM-156A Standard missile. The radar seeker is an enlarged version adapted from the AIM-120C AMRAAM seeker (13.5 inches versus 7 inches).
The missile may be employed in a number of modes:

• inertial guided to target with terminal acquisition using active radar seeker, 
• semi-active radar homing all the way, or 
• an over the horizon shot with cooperative engagement capability (CEC). 
• The missile is also capable of terminal ballistic missile defense (BMD) as a supplement to the SM-3 missile.

Unlike other missiles of the Standard family, the ERAM can be periodically tested and certified without removal from the VLS cell.

The SM-6, uses the ship combat system and CEC systems to provide an integrated, extended range, detect to engage capability. Fully exploiting the potential of a networked system, SM-6 functions as a node on the net, being cued to a target that can come from the launch ship or a remote sensor (airborne, sea-based or land-based). Although, like earlier versions of the Standard Missile, SM-6 uses semiactive homing – requiring the AN/SPG-62 radar (in the MK 99 Fire Control System) for terminal guidance – SM-6 also incorporates an active radar capability. It can thus be brought into a homing basket on the basis of CEC and then complete the engagement using its own active seeker, thereby allowing the operator to make best use of the SM-6’s more than 200 nm range.

SM-6 combines the SM-2 warhead, the Standard Missile extended range airframe and the AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) active seeker. (Raytheon)

The U.S. Navy performed sea-based testing of the Raytheon-built RIM-174 Standard ERAM SM-6 from the USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108) in this video. The SM-6 provides fleet air defense against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles, both over sea and land.