Raytheon SM-3 Achieves 15th Hit-To-Kill Space Intercept

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Raytheon SM-3 Achieves 15th Hit-To-Kill Space Intercept

Raytheon SM-3 Achieves 15th Hit-To-Kill Space Intercept

by Staff Writers
Kauai, HI (SPX) Aug 07, 2009
A Raytheon Standard Missile-3 destroyed a short-range ballistic missile target in space July 30. The test marked the 15th hit-to-kill intercept for SM-3 and the 19th missile intercept of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense program.
"SM-3 is a mature and proven solution for defeating threat ballistic missiles," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president.

"This intercept proved once again that SM-3 is the right choice for protecting the U.S. and its allies against the growing ballistic missile threat."

The target ballistic missile was launched from the U.S. Navy's Pacific Missile Range on Kauai while the crew of the guided missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG-70) fired the SM-3.

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 also is developing the kinetic warhead for SM-3.
 

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