// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
SM-6
The SM-6, or Standard Missile 6, is a versatile missile used by the U.S. Navy to defend against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, and can also intercept certain ballistic missiles. It is also capable of striking enemy ships over long distances.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The SM-6 (Standard Missile 6) is a multi-mission naval missile developed by Raytheon Missiles & Defense, primarily employed by the U.S. Navy for integrated air and missile defense (IAMD), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and terminal ballistic missile defense (BMD) from Aegis-equipped warships' Vertical Launch Systems. Its advanced active/semi-active radar seeker enables extended-range engagements against aerial threats and surface vessels.
BACKGROUND
The RIM-174 Standard Extended Range Active Missile (ERAM), or Standard Missile 6 (SM-6), is a missile in current production for the United States Navy (USN) by RTX. It was designed for extended-range anti-air warfare (ER-AAW) purposes, providing capability against fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, anti-ship cruise missiles in flight, both over sea and land, and terminal ballistic missile defense. It can also be used as a high-speed anti-ship missile. The missile uses the airframe of the earlier SM-2ER Block IV (RIM-156A) missile, adding the active radar homing seeker from the AIM-120C AMRAAM in place of the semi‑active seeker of the previous design. This improves the capability of the Standard missile against highly agile targets and targets beyond the effective range of the launching vessels' target illumination radars. Initial operating capability was planned for 2013 and was achieved on 27 November 2013.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Standard Missile 6
- RIM-174
- Extended Range Active Missile
- ERAM
- Standard ERAM
USAGE NOTE
SM-6 missiles are critical components of the Aegis combat system, providing layered defense capabilities for naval fleets and land-based sites against evolving threats.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to SM-6.
Raytheon is the prime contractor and developer of the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6), responsible for its design, manufacturing, and ongoing upgrades. The SM-6 is a multi-mission missile capable of air defense, ballistic missile defense (terminal phase), and anti-surface warfare.
Lockheed Martin develops and integrates the Aegis Combat System, which is the primary combat system used by U.S. Navy surface ships and several international navies to launch, track, and guide SM-6 missiles. Their technology is crucial for the operational effectiveness of the SM-6.
Northrop Grumman is a major supplier of advanced components for various missile systems, including propulsion systems, guidance sections, and other critical electronics, likely contributing to the SM-6 program through subcontracts.
Aerojet Rocketdyne is a leading manufacturer of rocket propulsion systems and is a likely supplier for the solid rocket motor components used in the Standard Missile-6, providing the thrust for the missile's flight.
As the primary customer and operator of the SM-6 missile, the U.S. Navy (specifically NAVSEA) funds, sets requirements for, and oversees the development, acquisition, and sustainment of the SM-6, driving its technological evolution and integration into naval combat systems.