Older missile ships assembled and loaded weapons from a magazine, unlike a modern vertical-launch cell with a missile already stowed for firing. Standard missile preserved the external dimensions and interfaces needed for Terrier and Tartar launchers and magazines while replacing the weapon's internal electronics. Extended-range versions could fill the long-range role once associated with Talos and still fit Terrier-era installations. The New Threat Upgrade helped older ships use those missiles against newer air threats, extending the life of the launcher and fire-control architecture.
Chapter · 22:42-25:44
Standard missile modernized older launcher architecture
Standard missile changed the electronics and performance inside the weapon while preserving compatibility with Terrier- and Tartar-era launchers and magazines.