Standard-SM2ER Block 4 [USNavy] |
Standard-SM3 [MDA] |
The Standard-ER anti aircraft missile has been reconfigured with a new Mk.72 booster as the Standard-SM2ER Block 4 to allow it to be launched from the vertical launch system (VLS) on Ticonderoga class cruisers and Arleigh Burke class destroyers.
Based on the Standard-SM2ER Block 4 a three stage Standard-SM3 was developed for defense against ballistic missiles. The ASAS stage was added as a third stage and the LEAP exo-atmospheric kill vehicle functions as a kinetic warhead. After a number of successful tests against target vehicles and mock-up warheads, the Pentagon decided in February 2008 to use SM-3 missiles to destroy the defunct NROL 21 spy sat.
Vehicle | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Standard-SM2ER Block 4 | Mk.72 | Standard Mk.104 | - |
Standard-SM3 | Mk.72 | Standard Mk.104 | ASAS Mk.136 |