Navy tests SM-2 Block IIIB

POINT MUGU, Calif., Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Raytheon announced the U.S. Navy has flight-tested its new Standard Missile-2 target-detecting device, marking a milestone for the technology.

Officials say SM-2 Block IIIB missile tests were fired from the Navy's USS Sterett (DDG-104) Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. The tests of the SM-2 Block IIIB, an anti-air warfare weapon system designed for long-range ship self-defense, marked the lowest-altitude target intercept in the program's history.

The tests took place during Navy combined combat system ship qualification trials and also included SM-2 Block IIIA, IIIB and Block III in various threat scenarios.

"These tests demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of SM-2 as it continues to evolve," Ron Shields, Raytheon Missile Systems Standard Missile program director, said in a statement.

"The SM-2's ability to successfully employ this new target-detecting device against challenging targets enhances the missile's usefulness to the war fighter."