Flight test OK'd for new Aegis missiles

TUCSON, July 14 (UPI) -- An advanced component of the U.S. missile defense system has been cleared for flight testing beginning next year.

The Raytheon Co., which has headquarters in Waltham, Mass., had design work carried out at the company's Missile System facilities in Tucson.

The Standard Missile-3 Block IB program recently completed a critical design review, which will allow for flight tests in 2010 with eventual deployment in Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense systems by the U.S. Department of Defense's Missile Defense Agency, the company said in a release.

"SM-3 Block IB is designed to outpace the evolving ballistic missile threats," Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president, said in the release. "SM-3 Block IA is a mature, proven system that is protecting the United States and its allies today."

SM-3 components are part of the MDA's Aegis system, which is installed on U.S. Aegis cruisers and destroyers to destroy short- or intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the ascent or mid-course sections of flights.

Japanese military vessels have also been outfitted with the systems. Navies from the Netherlands and Spain have taken part in Aegis testing.

Aegis systems, in addition to anti-missile functions, have been considered for use against satellites in low-Earth orbit.

The SM-3 missiles have a Lightweight Exo-atmospheric Projectile kinetic warhead, meaning the device is considered a hit-to-kill defensive weapon. The Aegis BMD weapons system was deployed at sea in September 2004.

The SM-3 Block IA is an improved version of the SM-3 Block I missile that featured better reliability at a reduced cost and was developed under a $124 million contract awarded to Raytheon in 2005. Each cost about $10 million.

In May 2006 the Pentagon awarded a $424 million contract to Raytheon for additional development, engineering and design of the Block IA and Block IB missiles. The company said a contract valued at $781 million was granted in December 2007 for the "continued engineering, development and support of the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IA, Block IB and Block IIA missiles."

The Block IB series, the company said, will use a two-color infrared seeker as well as an advanced control system that enhances maneuverability and increases the probability of stopping a missile threat. The company said the SM-3 has a greater than 9-in-10 hit-to-kill ratio.

The Block IIA, developed with help from the MDA, Japan's Ministry of Defense and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is scheduled for flight tests in 2012 and to be in the field in 2014-15.

Raytheon said in a release last month that the Block IIA program was approved to move a step in the design phase. Block IIA developments are expected to further refine seeking capabilities in the warhead while making the craft faster and with a greater range.

Lawrence said: "Completion of this major milestone demonstrates the ability of the joint design team to effectively execute this complex program. Development of this next-generation SM-3 will provide even greater protection against the growing ballistic missile threat."