The test flight, designated Control Test Vehicle Two (CTV-2), took place today over the central portion of the national missile range. The CTV-2 test was an engineering evaluation of the missile's structural integrity and autopilot performance. The data from this test are being evaluated and the results will be applied to the next flight test -- a "theater ballistic missile fly-by" early next year.

CTV-2 exercised the autopilot through the boost, midcourse and terminal phases of flight. Throughout the flight envelope, the missile made numerous maneuvers demonstrating near-maximum "g" capability, autopilot stability and airframe maneuverability.

The test missile, which was extensively instrumented, provided essential characterization data of both the aerothermal and flight vibration environments.

"This test completes our control test phase, which demonstrated that our modified missile airframe and advanced autopilot provide the maneuverability required to engage the ballistic missile threat. We have now established the foundation for the intercept test phase of the program.

"This successful test is a key milestone toward fielding this important capability for our U.S. Navy customer," said Ed Miyashiro, Raytheon Missile Systems vice president for Surface Navy Air Defense Systems.

CTV-2 was the second in a planned series of eight engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) flight tests. The test series will validate the missile design and demonstrate the Navy's ability to intercept both ballistic missile and air-breathing targets with the SM-2 Block IVA missile.

The program entered EMD after a successful intercept of a Lance ballistic missile in 1997 with a SM-2 Block IVA prototype. Raytheon and the Navy are executing a comprehensive ground test program in conjunction with this series of EMD flight tests.

SM-2 Block IVA is an evolution of SM-2 Block IV, which recently entered the fleet and is in limited production. The SM-2 Block IV Program recently completed a series of successful at-sea firings from the USS O'Kane (DDG-77).

The Ballistic Missile Defense Organization and the Department of the Navy are co-sponsors in this development of a Navy Area TBMD capability. TBMD is required to defend against the more than 25 nations which have or are developing nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and more than 15 nations that have ballistic missiles that can carry these weapons.

The Navy's Program Executive Office for Theater Surface Combatants manages the Navy's Area TBMD Program. Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz., is the prime contractor for the development of the SM-2 Block IVA missile.

Raytheon Company, based in Lexington, Mass., is a global technology leader that provides products and services in the areas of commercial and defense electronics, and business and special mission aircraft. Raytheon has operations throughout the United States and serves customers in 70 countries.