STANDARD Missile 2 BLOCK IV Missile/Ship Integration

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe newest missile in the Navy's Vertical Launching System (VLS) inventory is the STANDARD Missile 2 BLOCK IV. The BLOCK IV missile employs a Thrust Vector Controlled (TVC) booster, the MK 72, which has made very high altitude, increased cross‐range, and long range engagements possible. The MK 72 exhaust mass flowrate is two to three times greater than the previous missile considered when evaluating worst‐case exhaust plume effects to topside equipment.Tests have been performed to determine the effect of the BLOCK IV integration into the fleet. The overall intention of these tests was to provide a smooth and seamless integration of the BLOCK IV missile into fleet service. By performing integration tests prior to fleet introduction, hazards directed toward personnel or equipment associated with the launch of the BLOCK IV become known and steps can be taken to rectify those hazards. This paper discusses the various evaluations of the MK 72 rocket motor exhaust plume effects to AEGIS Vertical Launching System ship's topside equipment. The tests were conducted during static developmental rocket motor firings and live‐firings from the Vertical Launching System at White Sands Missile Range.