United States of America
Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) MR RIM-66C and RIM-156
Updated 10 July 2006
The SM-2 replaced SM-1 and added a programmable auto-pilot so that it could 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.

The SM-1 MR, SM-2 MR, SM-3 MR and Tartar missiles are virtually identical in appearance but quite different in performance.
WMUS_Standard-2_MR_RIM-66C_pic.jpg

SM-2 MR RIM-66C
Photograph copyrighted by General Dynamics
WMUS_Standard-2_MR_RIM-66C_maintenance_pic.jpg

Standard missile shop technician Joshua Jackson performs maintenance on a Standard SM-2 surface-to-air missile in March 2006 Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach is the Navy's only intermediate-level maintenance facility for the Standard RIM-66 family of ship-launched missiles
U.S. Navy Photograph 060315-N-4884C-025
WMUS_Standard-2_MR_RIM-66C_OKane_pic.jpg

SM-2 being launched from a VLS tube on USS O'Kane (DDG-77) in July 2006
U.S. Navy Photograph 060707-N-5169H-002
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Description
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Designation SM-2 MR RIM-66C, RIM-156
Ship Class Used On Many
Date In Service 1981
Weight 1,380 lbs. (621 kg)
Dimensions Body:  13.5 x 175 in (34 x 445 cm)
Wing span:  61.8 in (157 cm)
Payload 250 lbs. (113 kg) continuous rod
Range 3,000 - 180,000 yards (2,750 - 165,000 m)
Propulsion Boost-sustainer rocket
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Data from
"Naval Weapon Systems 1991/1992" by Norman Friedman
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