Model: LASM. Short range ballistic missile. Other Family: Cancelled. Country: USA. Status: Cancelled 2002. Department of Defence Designation: RGM-165.

Historical Essay © Andreas Parsch

Raytheon RGM-165 LASM

The LASM (Land Attack Standard Missile), sometimes also referred to as SM-4 (Standard Missile 4), is a derivative of the RIM-66 Standard SM-2MR air-defense missile. It is intended to provide long-range ship-based high-precision fire support for U.S. Marine Corps ground forces. The LASM's main targets will be missile sites, artillery, and logistics assets.

The LASM replaces the radar seeker and MK 115 warhead of the SM-2MR Block II/III with GPS/INS guidance and the MK 125 warhead (used by the SM-2MR Block III A) in a new low-drag nose. The MK 104 rocket motor, as well as the control section and flying surfaces, will be retained, ensuring that the missile can be used with existing SM-2MR launchers. The LASM attacks its target with a near vertical approach angle, and the blast-fragmentation warhead is triggered above ground for maximum effect.

After a concept demonstration of the new guidance system and warhead in late 1997, using three modified RIM-66K SM-2MR Block III missiles, development of the proper LASM began, and the designation RGM-165A was allocated. It was originally planned to convert up to 800 existing SM-2MR Block II/III missiles to RGM-165A configuration, with IOC (Initial Operational Capability) planned for 2003 or 2004. However, the LASM program has been suspended by the Navy in 2002, and will most probably be cancelled.

Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!

Data for RGM-165A:

[1] Norman Friedman: "World Naval Weapons Systems, 1997/98", Naval Institute Press, 1997
[2] "Vision... Presence... Power, A Program Guide to The U.S. Navy", 2000 Edition
[3] Hajime Ozu: "Missile 2000 - Reference Guide to World Missile Systems", Shinkigensha, 2000