Raytheon RIM-161 SM-3 News & Development

[NMaude]

Block IIA

Thanks, I'd seen in some posts recently mentions of an SM-3 Block-III.

 

[jsport]

https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2...=dfn-ebb&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sailthru

 

[Forest Green]

https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/mda-exploring-options-inject-competition-sm-3-production

 

[NMaude]

https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/mda-exploring-options-inject-competition-sm-3-production

If implemented that should dramatically lower the price of the EKV should it not?

 

[Scott Kenny]

If implemented that should dramatically lower the price of the EKV should it not?

Dunno about the KV proper, since that would require someone to R&D their own version.

It's probably better for the rocket stages and final assembly.

 

[NMaude]

Dunno about the KV proper, since that would require someone to R&D their own version.

What about second-source production of the EKV?

 

[yeetmahboi]

What about second-source production of the EKV?

Dunno, EKV is black magik proprietary tech which I doubt Raytheon would let that go away so easy...

 

[Scott Kenny]

Dunno, EKV is black magik proprietary tech which I doubt Raytheon would let that go away so easy...

Agreed. It'd take absolutely immense volumes of cash for Raytheon to part with the EKV tech data package so a second source could be created.

 

[Forest Green]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1925714331372605639

View: https://x.com/AirPowerNEW1/status/1925714331372605639

 

[Forest Green]

I wonder if NG's new 22inch (559mm) motor is for th SM-3. If not, what would it be for?

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/northrop-grumman-rocket-developments-and-news.50706/

 

[Forest Green]

Pentagon watchdog terminates SM-3 Block IIA audit weeks after launch​

https://insidedefense.com/daily-new...nates-sm-3-block-iia-audit-weeks-after-launch

 

[Sferrin]

I wonder if NG's new 22inch (559mm) motor is for th SM-3. If not, what would it be for?

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/northrop-grumman-rocket-developments-and-news.50706/

GPI?

 

[Scott Kenny]

I wonder if NG's new 22inch (559mm) motor is for th SM-3. If not, what would it be for?

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/northrop-grumman-rocket-developments-and-news.50706/

Could be GPI, though that needs to still fit in Mk41.

I was thinking it was for one of the air-launched hypersonics.

 

[Forest Green]

Either a IA or IB made intercept of Iranian BM above Turkey.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2030980090046062838

View: https://x.com/NOELreports/status/2030980090046062838?s=20

https://twitter.com/x/status/2030990903960117554

View: https://x.com/AirPowerNEW1/status/2030990903960117554?s=20

 

[Forest Green]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2032422857548992805

View: https://x.com/Osinttechnical/status/2032422857548992805?s=20

 

[Forest Green]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2034979211778068580

View: https://x.com/AirPowerNEW1/status/2034979211778068580?s=20

 

[NMaude]

Is it correct that the SM-3 Block-IIA is strakeless?

 

[Forest Green]

Is it correct that the SM-3 Block-IIA is strakeless?

Yes.

 

[NMaude]

Yes.

Which makes sense as it is designed to intercept eco-atmospheric targets so it doesn't need to be manoeuvrable inside the atmosphere.

 

[Forest Green]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2039785600228762097

View: https://x.com/Osinttechnical/status/2039785600228762097?s=20

 

[Forest Green]

Here Is What Trump’s Gargantuan $1.5T Defense Budget Has In It​

https://www.twz.com/air/here-is-what-trumps-gargantuan-1-5t-defense-budget-has-in-it

SM-3 Block IIA (136, up from 12)

 

[Forest Green]

Raytheon awarded $745 million contract for SM-3 IIA interceptors​

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-new...5-million-contract-for-sm-3-iia-interceptors/

Raytheon announced that a new Missile Defense Agency contract supports the production and sustainment of Standard Missile-3 Block IIA (SM‑3 IIA) interceptors, building on Raytheon’s investments to expand capacity and accelerate delivery.

 

[Sferrin]

$745 million sounds like a whole lot less than 136 missiles.

 

[Scott Kenny]

$745 million sounds like a whole lot less than 136 missiles.

5.47mil each?

 

[Sferrin]

5.47mil each?

More like $28 mil.

https://www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org/missile-defense-systems/missile-interceptors-by-cost/

 

[Josh_TN]

SM-3 blk2 is definitely a double digit number in the millions.

 

[NMaude]

More like $28 mil.

https://www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org/missile-defense-systems/missile-interceptors-by-cost/

Some of those prices are outrageous (It makes me wonder if Raytheon is trying to take Uncle Sam for a ride).

 

[Scott Kenny]

More like $28 mil.

https://www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org/missile-defense-systems/missile-interceptors-by-cost/

Oof. ouch that smarts.

 

[Josh_TN]

Keep in mind every SM-3 blk2 is essentially a direct ascent ASAT weapon that fits a mk41. It might not be used that way, but in terms of kinetic performance that is what you are paying for, only with a guidance system and divert system that lets you engage RVs. And RVs are much smaller targets than most any satellite with its solar array deployed.

Yes, it is eye wateringly expensive. If you want to leave the atmosphere and hit an IRBM, that’s the price point, and it is not going to drop a lot no matter what new tech people come up with.

 

[Forest Green]

Pentagon adds Boeing to SM-3 production push, leaves new framework terms unspecified​

https://insidedefense.com/daily-new...n-push-leaves-new-framework-terms-unspecified

The Pentagon has added Boeing-led component manufacturing agreements to its push to expand Standard Missile-3 Block IB and Block IIA production -- building on up-to-seven-year frameworks struck with RTX in February -- while leaving the scope, amount and substance of the new arrangements unspecified. The Defense Department announced two framework agreements with Boeing and RTX on Aug. 14 to increase production of components for the SM-3 Block IB and Block IIA, ship-launched interceptors that underpin Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense