RIM-66 Standard

The Standard missile program was started in 1963 to produce a family of missiles to replace existing guided missiles used by the Terrier, Talos, and Tartar guided missile systems. The intention was to produce a new generation of guided missiles that could be retrofit to existing guided missile systems.^[4]

The RIM-66A is the medium ranged version of the Standard missile and was initially developed as a replacement for the earlier RIM-24C as part of the Mk74 "Tartar" Guided Missile Fire Control System. It used the same fuselage as the earlier Tartar missile, for easier use with existing launchers and magazines for that system. The RIM-66A/B while looking like the earlier RIM-24C on the exterior is a different missile internally with redesigned electronics and a more reliable homing system and fuze that make it more capable than its predecessor. The RIM-66A/B Standard MR, (SM-1MR Block I to V) was used during the Vietnam War. The only remaining version of the Standard missile 1 in service is the RIM-66E (SM-1MR Block VI). While no longer in service with the USN, the RIM-66E is still in service with many navies globally and was expected to remain in service until 2020.^[5]

The RIM-66C/D Standard MR (SM-2MR Block I) was developed in the 1970s and was a key part of the Aegis combat system and New Threat Upgrade (NTU). The SM-2MR introduced inertial and command mid-course guidance. The missile's autopilot is programmed to fly the most efficient path to the target and can receive course corrections from the ground. Target illumination for semi-active homing is needed only for a few seconds in the terminal phase of the interception. This capability enables the Aegis combat system and New Threat Upgrade equipped vessels to time share illumination radars, greatly increasing the number of targets that can be engaged in quick succession.^[5]

The SM-1 and SM-2 were continuously upgraded through Blocks.

In the middle 1980s, the SM-2MR was deployed via Mark 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) aboard USS Bunker Hill, the first U.S. Navy ship to deploy a vertical launcher. VLS has, since 2003, been the only launcher used for the Standard missile in the U.S. Navy aboard Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. They are now most commonly launched from the Mk 41 VLS, which is a modular design concept with different versions that vary in size and weight. There are three lengths for this VLS: 209 in (530 cm) for the self-defense version, 266 in (680 cm) for the tactical version, and 303 in (770 cm) for the strike version. The empty weight for an 8-cell module is 26,800 lb (12,200 kg) for the self-defense version, 29,800 lb (13,500 kg) for the tactical version, and 32,000 lb (15,000 kg) for the strike version.^[6]

The Standard can also be used against ships, either at line-of-sight range using its semi-active homing mode, or over the horizon using inertial guidance and terminal infrared homing.^[7]

The SM-2 has conducted more than 2,700 successful live firings. In June 2017, Raytheon announced it was restarting the SM-2 production line to fulfill purchases made by the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. Production had stopped in 2013 from lack of international orders. New deliveries of SM-2 Block IIIA and IIIB missiles were scheduled to begin in 2020.^[2] The United States Navy is committed to keeping the Standard Missile 2 medium-range viable until 2035.^[8]

Standard missiles were constructed by General Dynamics Pomona Division until 1992, when it became part of the Hughes Missile Systems Company. Hughes formed a joint venture with Raytheon called Standard Missile Company (SMCo). Hughes Missile Systems was eventually sold to Raytheon making it the sole contractor.^[9]

Due to the end of the US Navy's support of the SM-1 missile system, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology has taken over support for the system in Taiwanese service including production of replacement rocket motors.^[10] The same approach was taken for the SM-1's Mark 13 missile launcher.^[11]

The Standard Missile One became operational in 1968. The missile was utilized by ships equipped with the Tartar Guided Missile Fire Control System. The missile saw its first combat use in the early 1970s in the Vietnam war.^[5]

The Standard Missile Two became operational in the late 1970s and was deployed operationally with the Aegis Combat System in 1983. Both Standard One and Two were used against both surface and air targets during Operation Praying Mantis. On July 3, 1988, USS Vincennes mistakenly shot down Iran Air Flight 655, an Airbus A300B2, using two SM-2MRs from her forward launcher.^[12] In 1988 the Iranian Kaman-class missile boat Joshan was disabled by RIM-66s.^[13]

On 9 October 2016, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Mason fired two SM-2s, as well as one Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, at two incoming Houthi anti-ship missiles off the coast of Yemen, one of which struck the water on its own. It is unknown if the SM-2s were responsible for intercepting the second cruise missile.^[14] On 12 October, Mason again came under attack by an anti-ship missile, and an SM-2 she fired was confirmed to have intercepted it at a range of 8 miles.^[15][16] This marked the first time in history a warship successfully defended itself with SAMs launched from vertical launch cells against an anti-ship missile. The ship experienced yet a third attack on 15 October, this time with 5 AShMs. She fired SM-2s, destroying four of the missiles.^[16]

On 1 April 2020, a Turkish Navy G-class frigate fired at least a SM-1MR Block VIA RIM-66E-05 supposedly against an UAV operated in support of the Libyan National Army. The missile missed and landed near al-Ajaylat, just southwest of Sabratha.^[17]

On 19 October 2023, the USS Carney fired SM-2s to shoot down three land-attack cruise missiles and eight drones launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen. The interceptions occurred over the Red Sea; although the ship wasn't threatened, the missiles were headed north towards Israel following the start of the 2023 Israel-Hamas War.^[18] From October 2023 to January 2024, several U.S. Navy destroyers downed dozens of missiles and attack drones launched by the Houthis against ships transiting the Red Sea, primarily using SM-2s. Although the SM-2 effectively intercepted the threats, at a cost of roughly $2.4 million per missile, it is inefficient at shooting down drones, causing concerns about expending them against such cheap targets and depleting a ship's limited VLS capacity.^[19]

In February 2024 in a friendly fire incident in the Red Sea, two SM-2s were launched by German frigate Hessen at a US MQ-9 Reaper drone. Both SM-2s crashed into the sea because of "a technical defect".^[20][21][22]

The Standard missile is designated by blocks depending upon their technological package.

The First Standard missiles entered service in the USN in 1967. Blocks I, II, and III were preliminary versions. Block IV was the production version. This missile was a replacement for the earlier RIM-24C Tartar missile.^[5]

The RIM-66B introduced changes that resulted in higher reliability. A new faster reacting autopilot, a more powerful dual thrust rocket motor, and a new warhead were added. Many RIM-66A missiles were re-manufactured into RIM-66B.^[5]

The RIM-66E was the last version of the standard missile one medium-range. This version entered service in 1983^[4] with the United States Navy and export customers. The RIM-66E was used by all remaining Tartar vessels that were not modified to use the New Threat Upgrade and Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates which controlled it with the Mk92 fire control system. Production of this missile ended in 1987. The missile was retired from USN service in 2003; however there are a large number of this model in service abroad and it is expected to remain viable until 2020.^[23]

The RIM-66C was the first version of the Standard missile two. The missile became operational in 1978 with the Aegis combat system fitted to the Ticonderoga-class cruiser. The RIM-66D was the SM-2 medium-range block I version for the New Threat Upgrade. The SM-2 incorporates a new autopilot giving it inertial guidance in all phases of flight except for the terminal intercept where semi-active radar homing is still used. This version is no longer in service; remaining missiles have either been remanufactured into later models or have been put in storage.^[5]

The Block II missile was introduced in 1983 with a new rocket motor for longer range and a new warhead. The RIM-66G is for the Aegis combat system and the Mk26 missile launcher. The RIM-66H is for Aegis and the Mk41 vertical launcher. The RIM-66J is the version for the New Threat Upgrade. Block II missiles are no longer manufactured, and have been withdrawn from service. The remainder have either been put in storage, scrapped for spare parts, or remanufactured into later models.^[5]

The RIM-66M is the version of the Standard missile two medium-range (SM-2MR) currently in service with the USN aboard Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The missile is specifically designed for the Aegis Combat System and the Mk41 Vertical launch system. The Block III missiles differ from earlier blocks by the addition of the MK 45 MOD 9 target detecting device, for improved performance against low altitude targets. The Block IIIB missile additionally has a dual semi-active/infrared seeker for terminal homing. The dual seeker is intended for use in high-ECM environments, against targets over the horizon or with a small radar cross section.^[23] The seeker was originally developed for the canceled AIM-7R Sparrow air-to-air missile. All USN Block III and IIIA missiles are to be upgraded to Block IIIB. Block IIIA missiles are operated by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force on its Kongō-class and Atago-class Aegis destroyers. Aegis equipped vessels in the Spanish and South Korean navies use it as well. The Dutch and German Navies have added it to the Anti-Air Warfare system, which uses the Thales Group Active Phased Array Radar S-1850M and Smart-L radar. South Korean KDX-II destroyers use the block IIIA with a New Threat Upgrade compatible guided missile fire control system. Block III variants for Aegis and arm launchers are designated RIM-66L. Block III missiles for New Threat Upgrade systems are designated RIM-66K. Block IIIB missiles were not produced for the New Threat Upgrade. Blocks IIIA and IIIB are the current production versions. The Thales Nederland STIR 1.8 and 2.4 fire control systems are also supported.^[3]

The Naval Sea Systems Command has announced its intentions to develop an active terminal homing version of the SM-2 MR missile. This will incorporate the active homing seeker of the SM-6 ERAM into the existing SM-2 airframe. Additionally the missile airframe will incorporate an improved dorsal fin design and a thrust vectoring jet tab assembly.^[24] The Raytheon Company will be awarded contracts for the STANDARD Missile-2 Block IIIC EMD and LRIP requirements on a sole source basis. The SM-2 Block IIIC is now in production and deployed aboard Navy Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.^[25] Missile is still in development in 2023 ^[26]

In the US Navy, RIM-66 Standard was deployed on ships of the following classes, replacing RIM-24 Tartar in some cases:

• Charles F. Adams-class destroyer (Mk74 Missile Fire Control)
• Albany-class cruiser (Mk74 Missile Fire Control)
• Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate (Mk 92 Missile Fire Control)
• Kidd-class destroyer (Mk74 Missile Fire Control SM-1/later New Threat Upgrade for SM-2)
• California-class cruiser (Mk74 Missile Fire Control SM-1/later New Threat Upgrade for SM-2)
• Virginia-class cruiser (Mk74 Missile Fire Control SM-1/later New Threat Upgrade for SM-2)
• Ticonderoga-class cruiser (Aegis Combat System)
• Arleigh Burke-class destroyer

RIM-66 has also been widely exported and is in service in other navies worldwide.

Table sources, reference material:^{[1][4][23][27]}

The RGM-165 LASM, also given the designation SM-4, was intended as means to give long-range precision fires in support of the US Marine Corps. Intended as an adaptation of the RIM-66, it retained the original MK 125 warhead and MK 104 rocket motor, with the radar seeker replaced by GPS/INS guidance. While test fired in 1997 using three modified RIM-66K SM-2MR Block III missiles, with 800 missiles set for replacement and IOC expected for 2003/2004, it was cancelled in 2002 due to limited capabilities against mobile or hardened targets.^[28][29]

  Australia

• Royal Australian Navy (Onboard Hobart-class destroyers)

  Chile

• Chilean Navy (Onboard Adelaide-class frigates)

  Denmark

• Royal Danish Navy (Onboard Iver Huitfeldt-class air defense frigates)

  Egypt

• Egyptian Navy (Onboard Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates)

  Germany

• German Navy (Onboard Sachsen-class air defense frigates)

  Iran

• Islamic Republic of Iran Navy operates Sayyad-2 version on frigates and on Kaman/Sina-class missile boats.

  Italy

• Italian Navy (Onboard Durand de la Penne-class destroyers)

  Japan

• Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (Onboard Hatakaze-class, Maya-class, Kongō-class & Atago-class destroyers)

  Netherlands

• Royal Netherlands Navy (Onboard De Zeven Provinciën-class frigates)

  Poland

• Polish Navy (onboard Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates)

  Pakistan

• Pakistan Navy (onboard Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates)

  South Korea

• Republic of Korea Navy (onboard Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class & Sejong the Great-class destroyers)

  Spain

• Spanish Navy (onboard Santa María-class & Álvaro de Bazán-class frigates)

  Taiwan

• ROC Navy (onboard Cheng Kung-class & Chi Yang-class frigates, Kee Lung-class destroyers). Some SM-1 have been upgraded by NCSIST with an improved propulsion section and an active seeker.^[10]

  Turkey

• Turkish Navy (Onboard G-class frigates)

  United States

• United States Navy (Onboard Arleigh Burke-class destroyers).

  Canada

• Royal Canadian Navy (Onboard Iroquois-class destroyers)

  France

• French Navy (onboard Cassard-class frigates 1988–2021)

  Greece

• Hellenic Navy (onboard Charles F. Adams-class destroyers 1991-2004)

• AGM-78 Standard ARM
• AIM-97 Seekbat
• RIM-67 Standard

• Aster (missile family) – (France, Italy)
• Barak 8 – (India, Israel)
• RIM-8 Talos – (United States)
• Sea Dart – (United Kingdom)
• Masurca – (France)
• List of United States Navy Guided Missile Launching Systems

• Raytheon Standard missile website, mfr of Standard missiles
• Navy Fact file - Standard Missile 2 Archived 2007-11-16 at the Wayback Machine
• NAVAIR War fighters encyclopedia - Standard missile
• Designation systems.net RIM-66
• FAS - SM-2
• GlobalSecurity.org - SM-2