U.S. Navy deployed the second-generation Raytheon Standard Missile-3 Block IB for the first time, initiating the second phase of the Phased ...
The SM-3 Block IB missile will be deployed in ships at sea and on land at Aegis Ashore sites. Aegis Ashore sites will be constructed at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii for tests and in Romania for defensive operations.
SM-3 Block IB interceptor improve the system's ability to engage increasingly longer range and more sophisticated ballistic missiles.
The advanced Block IB version of the SM-3 interceptor missile incorporates a new two-color infrared seeker, an advanced signal processor and a new Throttleable Divert and Attitude Control System (TDACS), providing the precision propulsion necessary to intercept incoming ballistic missiles with pinpoint accuracy.
The Phased Adaptive Approach (PAA) Phase 1 began in March 2011when the USS Monterey deployed carrying SM-3 Block IAs.
In Oct. 2013, ground broke in Romania on the first operational Aegis Ashore site, which will be capable of launching SM-3 Block IAs, IBs and IIAs. The site continues on track for 2015 deployment as part of PAA Phase 2.
Along with deployed Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense ships, Romania's Aegis Ashore site will provide additional ballistic missile coverage of NATO countries. The first Aegis Ashore test with the SM-3 Block IB and upgraded Aegis BMD Weapons System will take place this year at the Pacific Missile Range Facility,Kauai, Hawaii.
