Raytheon's STM phase II scores direct hit on target during first guided flight test

Raytheon Company's Small Tactical Munition Phase II scored a direct hit on a target during the weapon's first guided flight test. STM Phase II is a new 13.5-pound, 22-inch long, precision-guided, gravity-dropped bomb specifically designed for employment from manned and unmanned aircraft systems. STM Phase II is different from the Phase I design in that it is more than 2 inches shorter and has foldable fins and wings, enabling two weapons to be placed inside the U.S. military's common launch tube. STM Phase II's modular assembly will make the system simpler to manufacture on a large scale. During the February test at Yuma Proving Ground, a Raytheon Cobra unmanned aircraft system released the STM Phase II in flight. After safely separating from the UAS, the weapon used both GPS/INS and semi-active laser to guide to the target. Dr. Thomas R. Bussing of Raytheon Missile Systems says STM gives war-fighters flexibility as it enables them to engage all targets with minimal collateral damage.