U.S. begins flight testing advanced missile defense interceptor

The U.S. Navy and Missile Defense Agency (MDA) conducted the first flight test of the Raytheon Company Standard Missile-3 Block IIA. The interceptor's bigger rocket motors and more capable kill vehicle will engage threats sooner and protect larger regions from short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats.

"The SM-3 Block IIA program reflects the MDA's commitment to maturing this capability for the defense of our nation, deployed forces, and our allies abroad," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "The success of this test keeps the program on track for a 2018 deployment at sea and ashore."

The mission, Control Test Vehicle-01, evaluated the SM-3 Block IIA's nosecone performance, steering control section function, booster separation, and second and third stage rocket motor separation.

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