Havent block IVs been of very limited production run? something like a hundred fielded before production ended? What i was told is that sm-6, due in next ten years or so, budget permitting, will offer everything block IVER offered plus over horizon terminal (self) guidance. Right now those super ranges of block IV are only usable if target is on the horizon which makes a poor anti ship weapon range wise, really.
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SM-2 Block IV Extended Range
- Thread starter utelore
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Havent block IVs been of very limited production run? something like a hundred fielded before production ended? What i was told is that sm-6, due in next ten years or so, budget permitting, will offer everything block IVER offered plus over horizon terminal (self) guidance. Right now those super ranges of block IV are only usable if target is on the horizon which makes a poor anti ship weapon range wise, really.
Yes. The SM-2 Block IV ER's were of a limited production run. It was intended for use against extended range AAW threats. The production however was delayed and eventually halted due to problems in the booster, and incorporation into the MK 41 proved difficult. It is a much larger missile FYI.
You are correct in stating that the SM-6 ERAM will be what was intended for this missile, and much much more. And at a much greater capability as an independant system and at a much greater range (approx 600 Km). And yes, very much anti-ship capable. But will be primarily used for cruise missile interception.
You'd be surprised how easy it is to utilize SM-2's in the anti-ship role. They definitely can be used at quite adequate ranges for this role. All you really need is a certain frequency band uplink on channel for guidance in the terminal phase. Not a very difficult thing for the USN to do or provide for.
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