"We cannot afford to rest on our laurels or be content with our current capability," said Capt. Tim Batzler, U.S. Navy Standard Missile program manager. "Our sailors deserve the best we can give them, and this upgrade provides that."

The team included representatives from the U.S. Navy Standard Missile program office and Naval Weapons Station/Seal Beach and a cross-section of manufacturing and engineering employees from Raytheon Missile Systems. Team members worked to develop, produce and validate the performance upgrade to the weapon. The improvement strengthens Standard Missile's position as the world's premier ship area air defense weapon.

"The success of this endeavor is another example of Raytheon's focus on teaming with the customer to provide a needed solution. Every member of this team, whether wearing a U.S. Navy uniform or a Raytheon badge, was committed to completing this project as quickly as possible and getting this capability to our sailors in the fleet," said Ron Shields, Raytheon's Standard Missile program director.

Standard Missile has been the U.S. Navy's primary surface-to-air fleet air defense weapon for more than three decades. It is the most technically advanced and the most capable air defense missile in the world. SM-2 is operational on guided missile cruisers, destroyers and frigates in the U.S. Navy and is in operation with 13 allied navies.

Email This Article

Related Links
Raytheon
All about missiles at SpaceWar.com