RIM-66 Standard Surface-to-Air Missile

The **RIM-66 Standard MR** (SM-1MR/SM-2MR) is a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM), with a secondary role as anti-ship missile, originally developed for the United States Navy (USN). It is also used by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF).

## Overview

### **Standard Missile 2**

The RIM-66C/D Standard MR (SM-2MR Block I) was developed in the 1970s and was a key part of the Aegis combat system and New Threat Upgrade (NTU). The SM-2MR introduced inertial and command mid-course guidance. The missile's autopilot is programmed to fly the most efficient path to the target and can receive course corrections from the ground. Target illumination for semi-active homing is needed only for a few seconds in the terminal phase of the interception. This capability enables the Aegis combat system and New Threat Upgrade equipped vessels to time share illumination radars, greatly increasing the number of targets that can be engaged in quick succession. Mk 41 VLS adopts modular design concept, which result in different versions that vary in size and weight. There are three lengths: 209 in (530 cm) for the self-defense version, 266 in (680 cm) for the tactical version, and 303 in (770 cm) for the strike version. The empty weight for an 8-cell module is 26,800 lb (12,200 kg) for the self-defense version, 29,800 lb (13,500 kg) for the tactical version, and 32,000 lb (15,000 kg) for the strike version.

In the middle 1980s, the SM-2MR was deployed via Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) aboard USS *Bunker Hill*, the first U.S. Navy ship to deploy a vertical launcher. VLS has, since 2003, been the only launcher used for the Standard missile in the U.S. Navy aboard *Ticonderoga*-class cruisers and *Arleigh Burke*-class destroyers.

The SM-1 and SM-2 were continuously upgraded through Blocks.

The Standard can also be used against ships, either at line-of-sight range using its semi-active homing mode, or over the horizon using inertial guidance and terminal infrared homing.

## Specification

* **Mass:** SM-2 = 1,558 lb. (707 kg)
* **Length:** 15 ft 6 in (4.72 m)
* **Diameter:** 13.5 in (340 mm)
* **Warhead:** blast fragmentation warhead
* **Detonation mechanism:** radar and contact fuse
* **Engine:** dual thrust, solid-fuel rocket
* **Wingspan:** 3 ft 6 in (1.07 m)
* **Operational range:** 40 to 90 nmi (74 to 167 km)
* **Flight ceiling:** > 24,400 m (80,100 ft)
* **Speed:** Mach 3.5
* **Guidance system:**
	+ **SM-2MR Block IIIA** Command and Inertial midcourse guidance with monopulse semi-active radar homing in the terminal phase of the interception.
	+ **SM-2MR Block IIIB** missiles have dual infrared homing/semi-active terminal homing.
	+ **SM-1MR Block VI** missiles have monopulse semi-active radar homing without command and inertial mid-course guidance.

* **Launch platform:** Surface Ship

## Service History

### Rodenius War

First used by the JMSDF in the New World against the Lourian Wyvern Knights, the SM-2MR launched from the Mk.41 VLS of the DDG-175 *Myokou* destroyed 200 of the 250 Wyvern Knights that were sent to assist the Lourian Navy. The wyverns stood no chance against the so-called "guided bullet" and they couldn't evade the SM-2R that were chasing them. The Lourians would mistakenly call them as 'homing bullets of light."

### Great Naval Invasion of Japan

During the battle of the Kaga and the Grade Atlastar when the three shots began to reach Chizuki's destroyer, Chizuki was impressed with the skill of the Gra Valkas gunnery, causing him to assume that the Gra Valkas just installed FCS. He then ordered three SAM missile to fire to intercept the shells and succeed, utterly dumbfounding Caesar and Luxtal as they couldn't believe that artillery shells could be intercepted. Caesar then regained his composed and ordered continuous fire as they closed the distance towards the JMSDF fleet.

As the Pal Chimera gradually decimated the Gra Valkas intercepting 88th Fleet, Meteos and his crew observed the battle between 4th Escort Flotilla and the Grade Atlastar and once again shocked at Japan's technological prowess as the Japanese were able to intercept cannon shells with SAM missiles, which deemed impossible for the Holy Mirishial Empire to achieve. Fully convinced with Japan's superiority, Meteos and his crews then fully admitted Japan's power is 100% rival of the Ravernal Empire and fully deserved to dethrone the Holy Mirishial Empire and become the new leader of the New World.

### Conflict at Silkark Kingdom

The JMSDF used the SM-2s against the Air Fleet of the Cryseilis Holy Kingdom when the latter didn't heed to the warnings of the former. The first missile was noticed on radar, but arrived and destroyed an 80-gun airship before they could even realize what it was. To defend itself, the Air Fleet used a high magic output, three-layer defensive strategy that involved flying in formation and using a magic beam guided by radar to attack distant targets, high output magic 'flak' meant to fend off wyverns, and finally their anti-air rotating cannons that were also linked by radar.

Since the Japanese ships were attacking from beyond radar range, they could not attack them. Worse, the magic beam was too slow to hit the missiles. Since the Japanese missiles are semi-active radar homing (SARH) missiles, the Cryseilian magic flares had no effect. And despite being able to fire 100 light bullets per seconds, the anti-air cannons couldn't shoot down the missiles as the radar guiding them couldn't track the SM-2s fast enough. Over 32 airships were destroyed.

Realizing the power of Japan, the Cryseilian commander ordered the Air Fleet to retreat to their staging ground at Sekitomei, on the island of Talcris.