Standard SM-3 Block IIB

The Standard SM-3 missile is a derivative of Standard SM-2 Block IV developed to counter medium and long-range ballistic missiles and is a part of the Navy Theater Wide program. The SM-3 features a Third Stage Rocket Motor (TSRM) in addition of the Mk-72 booster and the Mk-104 rocket motor, a GPS/INS guidance section, and the LEAP (Lightweight Exo-atmospheric Projectile) kinetic warhead. The SM-3's warhead will be a hit-to-kill vehicle and the SM-3 would be optimized for the next generation of the AEGIS weapons system outfitted with the SPY-1E radar available from 2006 or 2007. The Standard SM-3 Block IIB, also known as the Next Generation Aegis Missile, is intended to provide early intercept capability against intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile threats. In April 2011, the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA) awarded two teams lead by Lockheed Martin and Boeing a 32-month $43 million contract for concept definition and planning phase of the project. The SM-3 IIB will be a key element of the fourth phase of the Phased Adaptive Approach, which will provide enhanced capabilities against threats on a global basis. The missile will be integrated into the Aegis Weapon System, with the Aegis BMD 5.1 Fire Control and the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, as part of the land-based Aegis Ashore capability.

deagel.com: https://www.deagel.com/x/x/a001148