SACRAMENTO, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- California's Aerojet has performed full system performance tests on its Standard Missile-3 Blk IB Throttleable Divert and Attitude Control System.
The SM-3 is being developed as part of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System.
The missiles are being deployed on Aegis cruisers and destroyers to defend against short-to-intermediate range ballistic missile threats in the mid-course phase of flight. Raytheon is the prime contractor for the development of SM-3.
Aerojet said the successful ground static testing advances SM-3 Blk IB TDACS toward full qualification and also highlights Aerojet's leading role in providing reliable propulsion solutions for both the Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy missions.
"These tests confirm the readiness of the TDACS for the upcoming critical flight test," said Aerojet's Vice President of Missile Defense Michael Bright. "We look forward to a successful flight test."
Aerojet supports the next generation of sea- and land-based U.S. missile defense capabilities by providing reliable, low-risk propulsion technologies. In addition to developing the SM-3 Blk IB TDACS, Aerojet is currently producing MK 72 and MK 104 rocket motors, and is developing the SM-3 Blk IIA TDACS – the planned missile variant upgrade to the SM-3 Blk IB – as well as working the technologies needed for SM-3 Blk IIB.
Aerojet is an aerospace and defense company primarily serving the missile and space propulsion, defense and armaments markets.
Raytheon is the prime contractor for the development of SM-3.
