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The latest version of a missile interceptor launched by a ship manufactured by Raytheon Missile Systems, based in Tucson, successfully passed a critical flight test on Friday after destroying a medium-range ballistic missile target overhead. the Pacific Ocean.
The success of interception by the SM-3 Block IIA missile, which is developed in collaboration with Japan, brings the system closer to an initial production decision, Raytheon officials said.
During the test that took place in the early hours of Friday morning, a missile was launched from the Pacific missile base in Kauai, Hawaii, the missile defense agency said.
The guided missile destroyer USS John Finn detected and tracked the target missile and launched a Block IIA SM-3 that intercepted the target, the agency said.
"This is definitely an important milestone on the transition to production," said Roy Donelson, Senior Director of SM-3 Programs for Raytheon.
Based on the observations and the initial review of the data, the test achieved its objectives, added the MDA, adding that officials would continue to analyze its performance.
"It was a great achievement and a milestone for the return of the SM-3 Block IIA," said MDA General Manager Sam Greaves.
Raytheon said that the interceptor had "erased" the targeted missile.
The SM-3 Block IIA is a larger, faster, longer-range version of the SM-3 Block IB, the current variant used with the Aegis ballistic missile defense system, which is primarily sea-based.
"It has bigger rocket engines, a bigger kinetic warhead and a bigger capacity in terms of the defended zone," Donelson said.
But an SM-3 Block IIA missed its target during a test launch in January, the first launch since a land-based system in Hawaii.
Earlier this month, the MDA said a fault map revealed that the cause of this error was a faulty device designed to turn on an upper-stage engine.
Based on the findings of the review panel, MDA and the Japanese Ministry of Defense planned to take corrective action, including removing and replacing firing devices, said Mr. Greaves at the time.
A SM-3 Block IIA launched by a ship intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile target during a test in February 2017. A similar missile missed an interception in June 2017, but it was later determined that a sailor had mistakenly fired the missile's self-defense. destroy.
Donelson said Friday's successful interception test kept the SM-3 Block IIA on its development trajectory, but declined to comment on when the MDA will make a decision ordering the system to go into production.
"We hope this decision will be made soon, but it is really up to the Missile Defense Agency and the Department of Defense to determine when they feel ready. But I would say that's an important step in that direction, "Donelson said during a conference call.
MDA plans to test the SM-3 Block IIA against an intercontinental ballistic missile target by the end of 2020, Greaves told a Senate committee in April.
At the end of September, the Missile Defense Agency issued a pre-solicitation notice stating that it intended to award Raytheon a unique five-year contract for production and delivery. an unspecified number of SM-3 Block IIA missiles as of fiscal year 2019, based on the agency that issued an initial production decision for the program.
Donelson said the SM-3 program was a true cooperation project with Japan, noting that its development partner, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, had made a significant contribution to its development.
"Japan has really been involved in all aspects of this design, development and manufacture. It is unique in that it is a truly international co-development, "he said.
Donelson said that there was an international interest for the SM-3, but he refused to name other countries that are considering the system.
According to recent reports, South Korea is considering buying SM-3 missiles to defend against the threat of missiles from that country.
"The SM-3 is attracting a lot of interest around the world; we will work with the Department of Defense to defend these interests, "Donelson said.
