Final test for SM-3 control system

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SACRAMENTO, March 15 (UPI) -- The final altitude hot-fire test for a U.S. Standard Missile-3 control system has been conducted by Aerojet of California.

Aerojet reported that five of its throttling divert and attitude control systems were involved in the test, which involved exposure to environmental extremes and various operational duty cycles.

"This is the last qualification test in a series of five qualification tests," Michael Bright, vice president of the Missile Defense and Strategic Systems Business Unit. "It is the final ground test verification needed to support SM-3 Block IB production decisions this year."

The SM-3 is powered by Aerojet's MK 72 first stage booster and MK 104 second stage dual-thrust rocket motor. The SM-3 is part of the Missile Defense Agency's Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System Phased Adaptive Approach, which uses kinetic technology for the destruction of in-coming missiles.