The SM-2 Block IV upgrade includes a new steering control section, new thrust vector actuator assembly for the boost rocket motor and a new primary missile battery as well as upgrades to the guidance and control software. The upgrade was completed as part of a value engineering project at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz. The improvement will result in a significant cost reduction of the missile.

"We see these upgrades as a good investment for the company. The result is a more producible Standard Missile-2 with better performance and improved reliability at a reduced cost," said Ed Miyashiro, Raytheon vice president of Naval Weapon Systems.

SM-2 is launched from cruisers and destroyers. The missile has enhanced precision and kinematics throughout the threat envelope as well as improved countermeasures performance.

The SM-2 Block IV upgrades are applicable to all extended-range Standard Missile variants, including SM-3 and SM-6.

"These enhancements will be used to rocket SM-3 into space to protect against the threat of ballistic missiles and on SM-6 to help protect navies around the world," said Miyashiro. "The upgrades successfully tested will help those other programs succeed."

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