Raytheon has been awarded a contract worth $94.3 million to develop a 21-inch rocket motor as a range upgrade for Standard Missile family from the US Navy.
Raytheon announced the contract to develop a solid fuel rocket motor of larger diameter to extend the range of the Standard Missile line from the US Navy.
Considering the fact that a 21-inch diameter rocket motor will be developed, it is believed that the new rocket motor will be used for the SM-6 Block IB long-range air defence missile, which is planned to incorporate a more powerful main stage compared to the current variant.
Currently, SM-6 Block IA, as a two-stage missile, employs a smaller main rocket motor with a diameter of 13 inches, while the booster measures 21 inches. Despite that, SM-6 Block IA currently holds the top spot in range as an air defence missile in US Navy service, capable of engaging air-breathing targets and ballistic missiles at the terminal stage. Aside from air defence duties, the missile can be employed against surface targets.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
