The RIM-2 Terrier explains the missile-era logic behind the Leahy class. The early RIM-2A used beam riding and wing control, reached Mach 1.8, and had a ten-nautical-mile range. Later versions introduced tail control, better motors, extended range, Mach 3 performance, and semi-active radar homing. Terrier could fit aboard smaller cruisers and guided-missile frigates that could not readily accommodate the larger and more demanding Talos system. Its Mark 10 launchers normally used forty-round magazines, although larger arrangements also existed. Standard later offered Talos-like range and capability in a Terrier-sized missile, which made it a comparatively straightforward replacement for the Leahy-class installation.
Notable Point · 19:04-24:52
Terrier showed why missile systems evolve
The Terrier discussion traces beam-riding early missiles into faster, more capable later versions and explains why Standard replaced Terrier and Talos.