United States of America
Standard Missile 2 ER RIM-67B
Updated 10 April 2002
The SM-2 replaces the SM-1 and adds a programmabe auto-pilot so that it can be command-guided into a homing "basket" near the projected position of the target.  SM-2 was the first tactical missile to incorporate inertial navigation to guide the missile from launching ship up to the homing "basket."  These missiles are also part of the New Threat Upgrade (NTU) to existing missile systems.

As these missiles do not have to "ride" a illuminated beam all the way to the target, they can fly more a more fuel-efficient route thus greatly improving their effective range.

Aegis ships cannot fire the SM-2 ER as their rapid fire launchers cannot accommodate the manual finning required by those missiles.  A special, shorter finless booster (Block IV) was developed for the SM-2 MR specifically for those Aegis ships with Mark 26 or Mark 41 launchers.
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SM2-ER being fired from China Lake
Photograph courtesy of Gus Shull
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Standard 2 ER RIM-67C
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Description
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Designation SM-2 ER RIM-67B
Ship Class Used On Many
Date In Service 1981
Weight 2,980 lbs. (1,341 kg)
Dimensions 13.5" x 26.2 feet Span 62" (34 cm x 7.9 m Span 1.6 m)
Payload 250 lbs. (113 kg) continuous rod
Range 7,000 - 200,000 yards (6,400 - 183,000 m)
Propulsion Sustainer rocket plus separate Booster
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Data from
"Naval Weapon Systems 1991/1992" by Norman Friedman
Navy Fact File