Propulsion Systems for the Standard Missile Program

The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) fires a Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) during the Titans of the Sea Presidential Review. The Titans of the Sea Presidential Review is one of many events taking place throughout the country to showcase maritime capabilities as part of the U.S Navy’s 250th birthday. America is a maritime nation.

The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) fires a Standard Missile 2 (SM-2). (U.S. Navy photo).

Overview

The Standard Missile includes the following variants:

SM-2
SM-3 IB and IIA
SM-6

These missiles are deployed across U.S. Navy ships and allied platforms offering flexible and scalable defense solutions for a variety of missions and are integrated into multiple defense systems, including the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System.

With its versatility, reliability and advanced technology, the Standard Missile program continues to be a critical component of modern air and missile defense strategies.

Our Role in Propulsion

L3Harris is a critical contributor to the Standard Missile program, delivering advanced propulsion solutions ensuring mission success.

Our combat-proven propulsion systems include:

Mk 104 Rocket Motor – Second stage for SM-2, SM-3 IB and SM-6.
Mk 72 Rocket Motor – Booster/first stage for SM-3 IB, SM-3 IIA and SM-6.
Throttleable Divert and Attitude Control System (TDACS) – Maneuvers the SM-3 kinetic warhead for precise hit-to-kill impact. Incorporating advanced throttling solid rocket technology, TDACS offers increased mission flexibility while maintaining safety.

These technologies enable multi-stage propulsion, extended range and precision targeting supporting the U.S. Navy and allied forces in the most demanding environments.

A Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) guided missile is launched from the USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) during Flight Test Standard Missile-27 Event 2 (FTM-27 E2).