Standard-SM2ER Block 4
Standard-SM3
|
Standard-SM2ER Block 4 |
Standard-SM3 |
The Standard-ER anti aircraft missile has been reconfigured with a new Mk.72 booster as the Standard-SM2ER Block 4 to allow it to be launched from the vertical launch system (VLS) on Ticonderoga class cruisers and Arleigh Burke class destroyers.
Based on the Standard-SM2ER Block 4 a three stage Standard-SM3 was developed for defense against ballistic missiles. The ASAS stage was added as a third stage and the LEAP exo-atmospheric
kill vehicle functions as a kinetic warhead. After a number of successful tests against target vehicles and mock-up warheads, the Pentagon deceided in February 2008 to use SM-3 missiles to destroy the
defunct NROL-21 spy sat.
| Vehicle | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard-SM2ER Block 4 | Mk.72 | Standard Mk.104 | - |
| Standard-SM3 | Mk.72 | Standard Mk.104 | ASAS |
Last update: 27.09.2009
Contact: gunter.krebs@skyrocket.de
© Gunter Dirk Krebs, since 1996