RIM-66 Standard

Infobox Weapon
is_missile=yes
name=RIM-66 Standard MR


caption=A RIM-66 Standard MR on an Mk-26 launcher
origin= USA
type=Medium range surface-to-air missile
used_by=United States Navy, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Netherlands Navy, German Navy, Chilean Navy, and Others
manufacturer=Raytheon and others
unit_cost=
production_date=1967 Onwards
service=1967 (RIM-66A SM-1MR Block I)
1979 (RIM-66C SM-2MR)United States Navy, [http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2200&tid=1200&ct=2 US Navy Fact File:Standard Missile] , October 11, 2002. Accessed June 5, 2006.]
wars=
engine=dual thrust, solid fuel rocket
weight=SM-2 – 1,558 lb (708 kg)
length=15 ft., 6 in. (4.72 m)
height=
diameter=13.5 in. (343 mm)
wingspan=3 ft., 6 in. (1.08 m)
speed=Mach 3.5
vehicle_range=40 to 90 nautical miles (74 to 167 km)
ceiling=> 24,400 m (80,000 ft)
altitude=
filling=blast fragmentation warhead
guidance=SM-2 Inertial guidance with semi-active radar homing in the terminal phase of the interception. Block IIIB missiles have a dual infrared/semi-active terminal homing.
detonation=radar and contact fuze
launch_platform=Surface Ship

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. It is similar to the RIM-67 Standard (SM-1ER/SM-2ER), but has no rocket booster.

Description

The Standard missile program was started in 1963 to produce a family of missiles to replace existing missiles used by the Terrier, Talos, and Tartar guided missile launch systems. [http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-66.html]

tandard missile 1

The RIM-66A is the medium ranged version of the Standard missile and was initially used 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). In service with Tartar Guided Missile Fire Control System equipped vessels and Mk92 Guided Missile Fire Control System equipped vessels.

tandard 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 introduced inertial 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|CG-52|6, the first U.S. Navy ship to deploy a vertical launcher. VLS is now the predominant launcher used with the Standard missile in the U.S. Navy aboard "Ticonderoga"-class cruisers and "Arleigh Burke"-class destroyers.

The SM-1 and SM-2 were continuously upgraded through Blocks (see below).

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. [Canadian Forces Maritime Command. [http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/mspa_fleet_popups/autopop_exterior_e.htm#221irq_ac_pop Standard missile] . Accessed June 5, 2006.]

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. [ [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/sm-specs.htm GlobalSecurity.org - Standard specs] [http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-66.html Designation systems RIM-66] .]

Operational history

The Standard missile one was used in combat in the early 1970s by the United States Navy in the Vietnam war. It was used against both surface and air targets during Operation Praying MantisOn 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.cite web | author=United States Navy |url=http://www.dod.mil/pubs/foi/reading_room/172.pdf |title= Formal Investigation into the Circumstances Surrounding the Downing of Iran Air Flight 655 on 3 July 1988 |accessdate=2007-01-28 |format= PDF|work= ] The circumstances of the incident are highly complex, controversial, and beyond the scope of this article.

Deployment history

The Standard missile is designated by blocks depending upon their technological package.

M-1 Medium Range Block I/II/III/IIII, RIM-66A

The First Standard missiles entered service in the USN in 1967. Blocks I, II, and III were preliminary versions. Block IIII was the production version. This missile was a replacement for the earlier RIM-24C Tartar missile.

M-1 Medium Range Block V, RIM-66B

The RIM-66B introduced changes the resulted in higher reliability. A new faster reacting autopilot, a more powerful dual thrust rocket motor, and a new warhead were added.

M-1 Medium Range Block VI, RIM-66E

The RIM-66E was the last version of the standard missile one medium range. This version entered service in 1983 [ [http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-66.html Raytheon RIM-66 Standard MR ] ] 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 abroard and is expected to remain viable until 2020. [USNI Combat Fleets 2005-2006, Wertheim, Eric; Editor, USN section Naval Institute Press (c)2005]

M-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.

M-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.

M-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. [USNI Combat Fleets 2005-2006, Wertheim, Eric; Editor, USN section Naval Institute Press (c)2005] The seeker was originally developed for the canceled AIM-7R. 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, and is also by the Dutch and German Navies with the APAR air defense 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.

Deployment

RIM-66 Standard was deployed on ships of the following classes, replacing RIM-24 Tartar in some cases:
*Charles F. Adams class destroyer (Mk74 Missile Fire Control)
*Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate (Mk92 Missile Fire Control)
*Kidd class destroyer (Mk74 Missile Fire Control SM-1/later New Threat Upgrade for SM-2)
*California class cruiser (Mk74 Missile Fire Control SM-1/later New Threat Upgrade for SM-2)
*Virginia class cruiser (Mk74 Missile Fire Control SM-1/later New Threat Upgrade for SM-2)
*Ticonderoga class cruiser (Aegis Combat System/Mk99 Missile Fire Control)
*Arleigh Burke class destroyer (Aegis Combat System/Mk99 Missile Fire Control)
*RIM-66 has also been in service in other navies worldwide, mostly in ships of classes similar to those listed above.

urface to air variants

Table sources, reference material: [ [http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2200&tid=1200&ct=2 The US Navy - Fact File ] ] [ [http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-66.html Raytheon RIM-66 Standard MR ] ] [ [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/sm-2.htm SM-2 RIM-66 / RIM-67 Standard Missile ] ] [USNI Guide to Combat Fleets: Their Ships and Weapons. 2005-2006 (c)2005 USNI Press]

References

ee also

*RIM-2 Terrier
*RIM-8 Talos
*RIM-24 Tartar - predecessor
*AGM-78 Standard ARM
*RIM-67 Standard Extended Range
*RIM-156 Standard SM-2ER Block IV
*RIM-161 Standard SM-3

External links

* [http://www.raytheon.com/products/standard_missile/ Raytheon Standard missile website, mfr of Standard missiles]
* [http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2200&tid=1200&ct=2 Navy Fact file - Standard Missile 2]
* [https://wrc.navair-rdte.navy.mil/warfighter_enc/weapons/shiplnch/standard.htm NAVAIR War fighters encyclopedia - Standard missile]
* [http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-66.html Designation systems.net RIM-66]
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/sm-2.htm FAS - SM-2]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/sm-2.htm GlobalSecurity.org - SM-2]