SM-6 Extended Range Active Missile (ERAM)

In order to have more power in more places, the Navy is increasing the offensive
capability of its surface force. One of the means to this end consists of repackaging
existing systems with new technology. Using this concept for the SM-6 (ERAM), the
results have far exceeded expectations.

The SM-6 missile was designed with the following in mind by its developers:

* Extend the range of Anti-Air-Warfare (AAW) space provided by the SM-2 (MR) missile.
* Provide Ballistic Missile Defense.
* Extend the range of the Anti-Surface-Warfare (ASuW) space by using the Cooperative
Engagement Capability of aircraft, satellites, and land based sensors in order to better
leverage long-range, over-the-horizon capabilities of its surface assets. It's a networked-
enabled weapon that can use third party targeting.

SM-6 provides an extended range AAW warfare capability both over sea and over land
by combining software upgrades with a modified active seeker from the AMRAAM missile
onto the proven SM-2ER Block IV Standard Missile airframe. The active seeker feature
has also improved the ASuW strike ability against surface targets. The seeker is a dual
mode seeker and can also provide terminal semi-active homing guidance.

With its two stage, solid rocket booster, solid rocket booster/sustainer, the current SM-6
has extended the strike capability of the missile to around 150 miles. In the latest
Block 1B variant, the SM-6 derivative is slated to shed its legacy airframe, one which doesn't
take advantage of the full diameter of the launch cells in the Navy's Mk41 vertical launch
system, and be redesigned with a 21 inch diameter motor that will substantially increase
the missile's range to well over 200 miles, and boost the missiles speed from Mach 3.6 to
hypersonic levels.

General Characteristics: SM-6 (ERAM)

Used By:

* United States Navy
* Royal Australian Navy
* Japan Maritime Self Defense Force
* Republic of Korea Navy

Manufacturer:
* Raytheon

Number Built:
* 500 delivered in 2013
* 1,800 total planned

General Specifications:
Mass:
* 3,300 lb. (1,500 kg)

Length:
* 21.5 ft. (6.6 m)

Diameter:
* 13.5 in. (0.34 m) for Block IA * 21 in. (0.53 m) for Block IB

Warhead (Conventional):
* 140 lb. (64 kg) blast fragmentation

Fuze Mechanism:
* radar and contact fuze

Engine:
* Two Stage: Solid rocket booster, solid rocket booster/sustainer

Wingspan:
* 61.8 in. (1.57 m)

Operational Range:
* ~130 nmi (150 mi; 240 km) Block IA

Flight Ceiling:
* >110,000 ft (34,000 m)

Maximum Speed
* Mach 3.5 (2,664.2 mph; 4,287.7 km/h; 1.2 km/s)

Guidance:
* Inertial guidance, active radar homing and semi active radar homing

Launch Platforms
* Surface Ships

SM-6 Missile Development Video

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