Description
Medium-long range shipboard surface-to-air missile.  

Background
Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) is the U.S Navy's primary surface-to-air air defense weapon. It is an integral part of the AEGIS Weapon System (AWS) aboard Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers; and is launched from the Mark 41 vertical launcher system (VLS). Its primary missions are fleet area air defense and ship self-defense, but it also has demonstrated an extended area air defense projection capability. The SM-2 uses tail controls and a solid fuel rocket motor for propulsion and maneuverability. All variants are guided by inertial navigation and mid-course commands from AWS using semi-active radar or an infrared (IR) sensor for terminal homing.

SM-2 Blocks III, IIIA, IIIB and IV are in service with the U.S. Navy; these and other variants of Standard Missile are also in service with 15 allied navies.

Extended Range Active Missile (SM-6) provides an air defense force multiplier to the U.S. Navy to greatly expand the AWS battlespace. SM-6 provides an extended range anti-air warfare capability both over sea and over land by combining a modified advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) active seeker onto the proven Standard Missile airframe. This low-risk approach, relying on non-developmental items, supported an FY 2011 initial operating capability. With integrated fire control support, SM-6 provides the Navy with an increased battlespace against anti-air warfare (AAW) threats over-the-horizon.
 
General Characteristics, SM-2 Block III/IIIA/IIIB Medium Range Primary Function: Surface to air missile
Contractor: Raytheon Missile Systems
ate Deployed: 1981 (SM-2 MR)
Propulsion: Dual thrust, solid fuel rocket
Length: 15 feet, 6 inches (4.72 meters)
Diameter: 13.5 inches (34.3 cm)
Wingspan: 3 feet 6 inches (1.08 meters)
Weight: SM-2: 1,558 pounds (708 kg)
Range: Up to 90 nautical miles (104 statute miles)
Guidance System: Semi-active radar homing (IR in Block IIIB)
Warhead: Radar and contact fuse, blast-fragment warhead

General Characteristics, SM-2 Block IV Extended Range Primary Function: Fleet and extended area air defense
Contractor: Raytheon Missile Systems
Date Deployed: 1998
Propulsion: Two-stage solid fuel rockets
Length: 21 feet 6 inches with booster (6.55 meters)
Diameter: 21 inches (booster) (34.3 cm)
Wingspan: 3 feet 6 inches (1.08 meters)
Weight: 3,225 pounds (1466 kg)
Range: 100-200 nautical miles (115-230 statute miles)
Guidance System: Semi-active radar homing
Warhead: Radar and contact fuse, blast-fragment warhead

General Characteristics, SM-6 Block I Extended Range Primary Function: Extended Range Anti Air Warfare with Over the Horizon Capability
Seeker: Dual-Mode Seeker (Active and Semi-Active)
Contractor: Raytheon Missile Systems
Date Deployed: Currently in Low Rate Initial Production, Initial Operating Capability scheduled for 2013
Propulsion: Solid rocket booster, dual thrust solid rocket motor
Length: Approx. 21 feet, 6 inches
Wingspan: Approx. 3 feet, 6 inches
Weight: Approx. 3,300 lbs.   Last Update: 30 January 2017