Raytheon proves APAR communications for SM-3 missile in Netherlands test

Raytheon Missile Systems has successfully completed a milestone test of a dual-band (X and S-band) missile datalink designed to enable the integration of its Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) ballistic missile defence (BMD) interceptor into non-Aegis ships.

Jointly funded by Raytheon and Thales Nederland, the 5 March captive trial at the Royal Netherlands Navy's (RNLN's) shore-based combat systems centre at Fort Erfprins, Den Helder, validated the ability of the dual-band datalink to communicate with the Thales active phased array radar (APAR) X-band radar. Raytheon said that the success of the test "marked a key step towards enabling more European ships to employ the full range of missiles within the Standard Missile family, including the Standard Missile-3".

The existing SM-3 Block IA interceptor uses an S-band datalink compatible with the US Navy's AN/SPY-1 radar (part of the Aegis anti-air warfare system). The same S-band datalink is baselined for the follow-on SM-3 Block 1B missile now in test and due to enter service in the 2015 timeframe.

However, Raytheon has since early 2010 invested private funds in the development of a dual X and S-band datalink that would enable the SM-3 Block 1B interceptor to be used in conjunction with the APAR/SMART-L radar suite.