The Raytheon Company Standard Missile-3 Block IB program completed its critical design review. Completing the CDR clears the way for a 2010 flight test and eventual deployment to the Missile Defense Agency’s Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense systems.

SM-3 Block IB offers significant improvements compared with the currently deployed SM-3 Block IA. The upgraded missile features a two-color infrared seeker with advanced signal processing, which enables longer-range target acquisition and enhanced threat discrimination. A new throttleable divert and attitude control system improves SM-3 Block IB flexibility in flight control and reduces cost.

“SM-3 Block IB is designed to outpace the evolving ballistic missile threats,” said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. “SM-3 Block IA is a mature, proven system that is protecting the U.S. and its allies today.”

SM-3 is being developed as part of the Missile Defense Agency’s sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. The missiles are deployed on U.S. Aegis cruisers and destroyers and Japanese destroyers to defend against short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats in the ascent and midcourse phases of flight.

Raytheon’s SM-3 hit-to-kill successes:

Jan. 25, 2002
June 13, 2002
Nov. 21, 2002
Dec. 11, 2003
Feb. 24, 2005
Nov. 17, 2005
June 22, 2006
April 26, 2007
June 22, 2007
Nov. 6, 2007
Dec. 17, 2007
Feb. 20, 2008 (satellite intercept)