SM-6 successfully hits a target with the help of Unmanned Systems

The guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) launches an Extended Range Active Missile (SM-6) during U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem (UxS IBP) 21. UxS IBP 21 integrates manned and unmanned capabilities into challenging operational scenarios to generate warfighting advantages. (U.S. Navy photo)
The guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) launches an Extended Range Active Missile (SM-6) during U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem (UxS IBP) 21. UxS IBP 21 integrates manned and unmanned capabilities into challenging operational scenarios to generate warfighting advantages. (U.S. Navy photo)

The U.S. Navy launched a missile at a long-range target successfully as a part of Unmanned Integrated Battle Problem (UxS IBP) 21 off the coast of San Diego, April 25.

The destroyer USS John Finn (DDG-113) launched the Extended Range Active Missile (SM-6), striking a target well beyond the line of sight.

Integrated manned and unmanned systems established a track for the launch.

The guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) launches an Extended Range Active Missile (SM-6) during U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem (UxS IBP) 21.

“The missile shoot was definitely challenging but ultimately incredibly rewarding. We were able to see our team’s planning efforts culminate in yesterday’s successful shoot,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Doyle, UxS IBP 21 lead live-fire planner. “This entire exercise was a great opportunity to get staff exercise planners, program designers and most importantly Sailors to work together and integrate multiple unmanned capabilities that are tactically relevant in many areas of the world today.”

Sailors assigned to amphibious landing transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) tow a target during U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem (UxS IBP) 21, April 25. UxS IBP 21 integrates manned and unmanned capabilities into challenging operational scenarios to generate warfighting advantages. (U.S. Navy photo)

The missile launch comes at the conclusion of UxS IBP 21.

“The integrated capabilities demonstrated this week are tactically crucial to improve our warfighting advantage,” said Capt. T.J. Zerr, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 21. “Unmanned technologies are being rapidly integrated into the Fleet for use, and our gained advantage is in the integration and collaboration between manned and unmanned capabilities tailored to the particular situation and phase of conflict.”

UxS IBP 21

UxS IBP 21 is a U.S. Pacific Fleet exercise, executed by U.S. 3rd Fleet, designed to integrate manned and unmanned capabilities into operational scenarios to generate warfighting advantages. The week-long event involves surface, subsurface, and aerial unmanned assets, operating with littoral combat ships, guided-missile destroyers, guided-missile cruisers, submarines and helicopter squadrons.

SM-6 Missile

Specifications

Mass3,300 lb (1,500 kg)
Length21.5 ft (6.6 m)
Diameter13.5 in (0.34 m) for Block IA
21 in (0.53 m) for Block IB
Warhead140 lb (64 kg) blast fragmentation
Detonation
mechanism
radar and contact fuze
EngineTwo Stage: Solid rocket booster, solid rocket booster/sustainer
Wingspan61.8 in (1.57 m)
Operational
range
~130 nmi (150 mi; 240 km) (Block IA)
Flight ceiling>110,000 ft (34,000 m)
Maximum speedMach 3.5 (2,664.2 mph; 4,287.7 km/h; 1.2 km/s)
Guidance
system
Inertial guidance, active radar homing and semi active radar homing
The SM-6 missile can perform anti-air warfare, ballistic missile defense and anti-surface warfare missions. (Photo: Missile Defense Agency)
The SM-6 missile can perform anti-air warfare, ballistic missile defense and anti-surface warfare missions. (Photo: Missile Defense Agency)

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