OREANDA-NEWS. October 03, 2016. In the longest range surface-to-air intercept of its kind in naval history, a Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) Standard Missile-6 successfully destroyed an over-the-horizon, threat target.

The mission also demonstrated the combat capabilities that SM-6 brings to Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air, an effort designed to link U.S. Navy ships and airborne sensors into a single network via Cooperative Engagement Capability. The SM-6 was fired from the USS Princeton (CG59), a U.S. Navy Cruiser equipped with the latest Aegis baseline 9 combat system.

The active radar and extended range of the 'smart missile' allow it to track and destroy over-the-horizon targets, out of sight of operators on deck.

"The multi-mission SM-6 is in a class of its own as it demonstrates its ability to go further, faster and counter more threats to offer maximum mission flexibility," said Mike Campisi, Standard Missile-6 senior program director. "The missile's ability to defend against so many different threats makes it the go-to solution to meet modern fleet defense needs across the globe."

This is not the first time that SM-6 has shattered its own distance record. The missile broke the previous long-range intercept record in January of this year, a milestone it set itself in June of 2014. 

SM-6 provides U.S. Navy vessels with extended-range protection against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles in the terminal phase of flight, and an offensive capability against surface targets.

In April 2015, Raytheon delivered the first full-rate production SM-6 from its \\$75-million, 70,000-square-foot SM-6 and Standard Missile-3 all-up-round production facility at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Raytheon has currently delivered more than 300 SM-6 missiles with continuing production. 

About Standard Missile-6

SM-6 delivers proven over-the-horizon, air defense through the time-tested advantages of the Standard Missile's airframe and propulsion.

  • SM-6 delivers multi-mission capability for long range Fleet Air Defense, Sea-Based Terminal Defense, and Anti-Surface Warfare.
  • SM-6 uses both active and semi-active guidance modes and advanced fuzing techniques.
  • It incorporates the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities from Raytheon's Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2015 sales of \\$23 billion and 61,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 94 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I™ products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.