The upper stage has no warhead and can't maneuver in the atmosphere, so no. The booster could be adapted to a hypersonic vehicle, potentially. The next version of SM-6, which also uses a 21" motor like SM-3, will undoubtedly have a surface-to-surface mode.
That's basically what he said.The upper stage has no warhead and can't maneuver in the atmosphere, so no. The booster could be adapted to a hypersonic vehicle, potentially. The next version of SM-6, which also uses a 21" motor like SM-3, will undoubtedly have a surface-to-surface mode.
Moose, I know you know this but just to clarify, SM-6 already uses a 21-inch first stage booster, just like SM-3 Block I. The change you're referring to is the switch to a "full caliber" 21-inch missile body. That's for SM-3 Block IIA and the future SM-6 Block IB.
wasn't referring to the booster anymore.21" motor