Raytheon delivers SM-6

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HUNTSVILLE, Ala., March 1 (UPI) -- Raytheon reports it has delivered to the U.S. Navy the first Standard Missile-6 all-up-round that it integrated and tested at its new facility in Alabama.

"SM-6 is a game-changing, transformational fleet defense missile and we're on track to reach initial operating capability this year," said Raytheon Missile Systems President Taylor W. Lawrence.

"Our state-of-the-art production facility in Huntsville (Ala.) will play a significant role in delivering this asset to the U.S. Navy on time and on budget for years to come."

Raytheon's new integration and test facility is 70,000 square feet and cost $70 million to construct. It began operation last November. Raytheon said its use of advanced tools and production processes will reduce production costs.

The SM-6 is a naval weapon for ship defense against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. It uses active and semi-active guidance modes, advanced fusing methods and advanced signal processing and guidance control from Raytheon's Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile.