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The RIM-66 Standard MR (SM-1MR/SM-2MR) is a
medium range surface-to-air missile (SAM) originally developed for the United
States Navy (USN). The SM-1 was developed as a replacement for the RIM-2
Terrier and RIM-24
Tartar deployed in the 1950s on a variety of USN ships. The RIM-67
Standard (SM-1ER/SM-2ER), is an extended range version of this
missile with a booster stage.
The Standard missile program was started in 1963 to produce a family of
missiles to replace existing guided missiles used by the Terrier, Talos, and
Tartar guided missile launch systems. The intention was to produce a new
generation of guided missiles that could be retrofit to existing guided
missile systems.
Standard Missile 1:
The RIM-66A is the medium ranged version of the Standard missile and was initially
developed as a replacement for the earlier RIM-24C as part of the Mk74
"Tartar" Guided Missile Fire Control System. It used the same
fuselage as the earlier Tartar missile, for easier use with existing
launchers and magazines for that system. The RIM-66A/B is a semi-active radar
homing missile like the earlier RIM-24C, but with many improvements that make
it more capable than its predecessor. The RIM-66A/B Standard MR, (SM-1MR
Block I to V) was used during the Vietnam War. The only remaining version in
service is the RIM-66E (SM-1MR Block VI). While no longer in service with the
USN, the missile is still in service with Tartar Guided Missile Fire Control
System equipped vessels, Mk 92 Guided Missile Fire Control System equipped
vessels, and other compatible systems in many navies.
Standard Missile 2:
The RIM-66C/D Standard MR (SM-2MR Block I), was developed in the 1970s and
was a key part of the Aegis combat system and New Threat Upgrade (NTU). The
SM-2MR introduced inertial and command mid-course guidance. The missile's
autopilot is programmed to fly the most efficient path to the target and can
receive course corrections from the ground. Target illumination for
semi-active homing is needed only for a few seconds in the terminal phase of
the interception. This capability enables the Aegis combat system and the New
Threat Upgrade equipped vessels to time share illumination radars, greatly
increasing the number of targets that can be engaged at one time. In the
middle 1980s, the SM-2MR was deployed via Mk-41
Vertical Launch System (VLS) aboard the USS Bunker Hill, the first
U.S. Navy ship to deploy a vertical launcher. VLS has, since 2003, been the
only launcher used for the Standard missile in the U.S. Navy aboard
Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
The Standard can also be used against ships, either at line-of-sight range
using its semi-active homing mode, or over the horizon using inertial guidance
and terminal infrared homing.
Contractors:
Standard missiles were constructed by General Dynamics Pomona Division until
1992, when it became part of the Hughes Missile Systems Company. Hughes
formed a joint venture with Raytheon called Standard Missile Company (SMCo).
Hughes Missile Systems was eventually sold to Raytheon making it the sole
contractor.
Operational history:
The Standard missile one became operational in 1968. The missile was utilized
by ships equipped with the Tartar Guided Missile Fire Control System. The
missile saw its first combat use in the early 1970s in the Vietnam war. The
Standard missile two became operational in the late 1970s and was deployed
operationally with the Aegis Combat System in 1983. Both Standard one and two
were used against both surface and air targets during Operation Praying
Mantis. On July 3, 1988, USS Vincennes (CG-49) shot down Iran Air Flight 655,
an Airbus A300B2, using two SM-2MR missiles from her forward launcher.
Variants:
RIM-66A / SM-1MR Block I to IV
RIM-66B / SM-1MR Block V
RIM-66C / SM-2MR Block I
RIM-66D / SM-2MR Block I
RIM-66E / SM-1MR Blocks VI, VIA, VIB
RIM-66G / SM-2MR Block II
RIM-66H / SM-2MR Block II
RIM-66J / SM-2MR Block II
RIM-66K-1 / SM-2MR Block III
RIM-66K-2 / SM-2MR Block IIIA
RIM-66L-1 /SM-2MR Block III
RIM-66L-2 / SM-2MR Block IIIA
RIM-66M-1 / SM-2MR Block III
RIM-66M-2 / SM-2MR Block IIIA
RIM-66M-5 / SM-2MR Block IIIB
SM-1 Medium Range Block I/II/III/IV, RIM-66A:
The First Standard missiles entered service in the USN in 1967. Blocks I, II,
and III were preliminary versions. Block IV was the production version. This
missile was a replacement for the earlier RIM-24C Tartar missile.
SM-1 Medium Range Block V, RIM-66B:
The RIM-66B introduced changes that resulted in higher reliability. A new
faster reacting autopilot, a more powerful dual thrust rocket motor, and a
new warhead were added. Many RIM-66A missiles were re-manufactured into
RIM-66B.
SM-1 Medium Range Blocks VI/VIA/VIB, RIM-66E:
The RIM-66E was the last version of the standard missile one medium range.
This version entered service in 1983 with the United States Navy and export
customers. The RIM-66E was used by all remaining Tartar vessels that were not
modified to use the New Threat Upgrade and Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates
which controlled it with the Mk92 fire control system. The missile was
retired from USN service in 2003; however it is still widely used abroad and
is expected to remain viable until 2020.
SM-2 Medium Range Block I, RIM-66C/D:
The RIM-66C was the first version of the Standard missile two. The missile
became operational in 1978 with the Aegis combat system fitted to the
Ticonderoga class cruiser. The RIM-66D was the SM-2 medium range block I
version for the New Threat Upgrade. The SM-2 incorporates a new autopilot
giving it inertial guidance in all phases of flight except for the terminal
intercept where semi-active radar homing is still used. This version is no
longer in service, remaining missiles have either been remanufactured into
later models or have been put in storage.
SM-2 Medium Range Block II, RIM-66G/H/J:
The Block II missile introduced in 1983 with a new rocket motor for longer
range and a new warhead. The RIM-66G is for the Aegis combat system and the Mk26
missile launcher. The RIM-66H is for Aegis and the Mk41 vertical launcher.
The RIM-66J is the version for the New Threat Upgrade. Block II missiles are
no longer manufactured, and have been withdrawn from service. The remainder
have either been put in storage, or remanufactured into later models.
SM-2 Medium Range Block III/IIIA/IIIB, RIM-66K/L/M:
The RIM-66M is the version of the Standard missile two medium range (SM-2MR)
currently in service with the USN aboard Ticonderoga class cruisers, and
Arleigh Burke class destroyers. The missile is specifically designed for the
Aegis Combat System and the Mk41 Vertical launch system. The Block III
missiles differ from earlier blocks by the addition of the MK 45 MOD 9 target
detecting device, for improved performance against low altitude targets. The
Block IIIB missile additionally has a dual semi-active/infrared seeker for
terminal homing. The dual seeker is intended for use in high-ECM
environments, against targets over the horizon or with a small radar cross section.
The seeker was originally developed for the canceled AIM-7R Sparrow
air-to-air missile. All USN Block III and IIIA missiles are to be upgraded to
Block IIIB. Block IIIA missiles are operated by the Japanese Maritime
Self-Defense Force on its Kongo class and Atago class Aegis destroyers. Aegis
equipped vessels in the Spanish and South Korean navies use it as well. The
Dutch and German Navies have added it to the Anti-Air Warfare system, which
uses the Thales Nederland Active Phased Array Radar and Smart-L radar. South
Korean KDX-II destroyers use the block IIIA with a New Threat Upgrade
compatible guided missile fire control system. Block III variants for Aegis
and arm launchers are designated RIM-66L. Block III missiles for New Threat
Upgrade systems is designated RIM-66K. Block IIIB missiles were not produced
for the New Threat Upgrade. Blocks IIIA and IIIB are the current production
versions. The Thales Nederland STIR 1.8 and 2.4 fire control systems are also
supported.
Weight:
SM-2MR = 1558 lb (707 kg)
Lenght:
15 feet 6 inch (4,72 meters)
Engine:
solid fuel rocket
Range:
40 to 90 nmi (74 to 170 kilometers)
Ceiling:
80100 feet (24400 meters)
Speed:
Mach 3,5
in service: USA, Australia,
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, Republic of Korea,
Netherlands, Turkey.
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