Test of enhanced software succeeds against sophisticated
medium-range ballistic missile
PACIFIC MISSILE RANGE FACILITY,
Hawaii, March 29,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A Standard Missile-6 (SM-6)
built by Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, intercepted a
medium-range ballistic missile target at sea in its final seconds
of flight, after being fired from the USS Preble (DDG 88). This
test verified some of the missile's enhanced capabilities when
launched from a Baseline 9.C2 variant of the Aegis Combat
System.
The SM-6 missile can perform anti-air warfare, anti-surface
warfare and advanced ballistic missile defense at sea. This latest
flight test, designated as Flight Test Aegis Weapon System
(FTM)-32, involved the SM-6 Dual II (Block IA) configuration with
newly qualified software that significantly enhances the missile's
capabilities for the U.S. Navy fleet.
"This test demonstrated that the latest versions of the SM-6 and
combat system provide the critical capability to destroy an
incoming sophisticated missile threat," said Kim Ernzen, president of Raytheon Naval Power. "Raytheon is committed to
ensuring our technology stays ahead of evolving threats and is
available to sailors as quickly as possible."
FTM-32 was the seventh flight test of the SM-6 against ballistic
missile targets and the fourth test utilizing the Dual II (Block
IA) configuration.
Deployed on U.S. Navy ships, SM-6 delivers a proven
over-the-horizon offensive and defensive capability by leveraging
the time-tested Standard Missile airframe and propulsion system.
It's the only missile that supports anti-air warfare, anti-surface
warfare and sea-based terminal ballistic missile defense in one
solution, and it's enabling the U.S. and its allies to
cost-effectively increase the offensive might of surface
forces.
The U.S. Department of Defense has approved the sale of SM-6 to
several allied nations.
About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of offensive
and defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and
partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their
security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new
technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air
and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and
radars, offensive and defensive cybersecurity tools, interceptors,
space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land,
air, sea and space.
About RTX
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits
of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect
our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace,
Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation,
engineering integrated defense systems, and developing
next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help
global customers address their most critical challenges. The
company, with 2023 sales of $69
billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact
corporatepr@rtx.com
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SOURCE RTX