According to a report from Defense News, Raytheon is working on a new guidance section for SM-2 Block IIIC and SM-6 air defence missiles used by the US NAVY.
The new upgrade, dubbed SM-2 Block IIICU and SM-6 Block IU, respectively, consists of new electronics, an active radar seeker, and software. It is also stated that the new orders SM-2 Block IIIC missiles will be delivered in the new configuration.
SM-2 Block IIIC and SM-6 Block I are USN warships' main long-range air defence missiles, particularly Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
SM-2 Block IIIC is a Monoblock missile developed from the SM-2 Block III line with an active radar seeker derived from that of SM-6. Its previous variant, the SM-2 Block IIIB, was fitted with an IR seeker on the side to support the semi-active radar homing.
The two-stage SM-6 is currently the longest-reaching air defence missile in the USN inventory for endo-atmospheric defence. The missile can shoot down aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles up to MRBM class in their terminal phase.
Both missiles use the same guidance package, with SM-2 Block IIIC receiving the active radar seeker from SM-6 itself. The seeker of SM-6 was developed from that of AIM-120 AMRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missile. Upon need, both missiles can be guided via illumination from the AN/SPG-62 fire control radar in semi-active mode.
Standard Missile family has been serving the USN for decades onboard various warships, starting with the SM-1 missile. Despite the long service history, all missiles are externally identical externally, but many upgrades have been made over this timeframe. Currently, SM-2 (Block III variants) medium-long range air defence missile, SM-3 anti-ballistic missile, and the newer SM-6 extended-range missile derived from SM-2 are in active service.
Raytheon Develops Guidance Upgrade for SM Missiles
