Raytheon, MDA Test Updated Standard Missile-3 Third Stage Rocket Motor

Raytheon and the Missile Defense Agency have validated the third stage rocket motor update for the updated Standard Missile-3 Block IB following completion of a flight test.

MDA and Raytheon tested the in-flight performance of the SM-3 rocket motor following previous ground tests, the company said Thursday.

The updated missile will join the existing missile production line.

The team conducted the flight test at the U.S. Navy‘s Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii, where crew aboard the USS Hopper fired two SM-3 Block IBs.