The Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) target detecting system passed a test while executing the lowest altitude intercept thus far, Raytheon Co. [RTN] announced.

That SM-2 Block IIIB system was tested by the Navy in an exercise where the interceptor was fired from a destroyer, USS Sterett (DDG 104), during combined combat system ship qualification trials.

Test flights included additional SM-2 Block IIIA, SM-2 Block IIIB and SM-2 Block III missiles. The missiles engaged multiple targets under stressing conditions representing a variety of threat scenarios.

"These tests demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of SM-2 as it continues to evolve," said Ron Shields, Raytheon Missile Systems Standard Missile program director. "The SM- 2’s ability to successfully employ this new target detecting device against challenging targets enhances the missile’s usefulness to the warfighter."

SM-2 Block IIIB is an anti-air warfare weapon system deployed by the Navy for long-range ship self defense and has a range of 90 nautical miles (167 km or 103 statute miles).

The SM-2 Block IIIB missile adds an infrared seeker to its proven guidance section to defeat target countermeasures and provide enhanced performance against supersonic, high-g maneuvering sea skimming air-to-surface missiles.