Flying about: F/A-18 fighter jets received a SM-6 Super Dalecobiy missile (photo)

The integrated anti-aircraft missile received the NAIM-174B index. With an air base, the rocket's effective range increases to 500 km. In the latest RIMPAC exercises, the largest maritime maneuvers that take place every two years in the Pacific, the F/A-18 deck fighter was noticed with the SM-6 missile. Moreover, the ammunition was not in the test orange, but in the standard gray color - this confirms that the rocket has passed the test stage and is close to combat use.

This was reported on July 3 by Defense Express observers. The authors of the material pointed out that official confirmation from the Pentagon on the integration of the anti-aircraft missile with F/A-18 aircraft has not yet been received. Although the first reports of these works appeared in April 2021, when the aircraft was first spotted with this rocket. Meanwhile, recent events say that the integration process is likely to be close.

The photo taken at the Pearl Garbor Air Base and posted on social networks became a sensation, experts said. In the picture you can see the rocket index-NAIM-174B. The decoding of the abbreviation NAIM (Navy Air Intercept Missile) confirms the naval affiliation of the rocket. The number 174 refers to the alternative name of the SM-6 missile-RIM-174, and the letter "b" indicates the modification of the structure.

According to The War Zone, F/A-198E, the Strike Fighter Squadron 192 (VFA-192) squadron (VFA-192) "Golden Dragons" from the aircraft carrier led by USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). The publication also indicated that the author of the photo saw another F/A-18 from another VFA-2 Bounty Hunters Unit of the same Airrier Air Wing. This is an extremely effective solution. In the anti-aircraft version, the SM-6 rocket is capable of affecting the air targets up to 370 km and land targets up to 460 km away.

But the start of the aircraft will potentially increase this range to 500 km. This weapon greatly expands the combat capabilities of F/A-18. For comparison, the maximum range of AIM-20d ​​is only 180 km. SM-6 F/A-18 will be able to attack strategic bombers, fuels and other large air targets at the previously unavailable.