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I'm not sure if there's a problem, but the flight time of the SM-2ER and SM-1ER in the attached scenario seems off. They both seem to run "out of energy" quickly, coast and then splash well before their database range. Could those more familiar take a look and confirm/deny if they believe there's an issue?

Interesting example, thanks!

I think this is WAD for both missiles. The fundamental difficulty is that this is a low-altitude target, at relatively long range, that is also actively evading.

The SM-1ER is severely handicapped by the absence of a lofting trajectory. Against a low target this forces it to fly a straight, low-altitude flight profile all the way, and the drag predictably destroys its speed reserve. It stalls and falls from the sky even before the SARH-driven LOS limit asserts itself.

The SM-2ER makes a much better run for it, lofting to the target and thus having a much more efficient flight profile. (Fun fact: the initial blocks of the SM-2ER used the very same propulsion, warhead and airframe as the SM-1ER; the improvements were all on the INS autopilot [enabling lofting] and the monopulse TSARH seeker [removing the "illuminate at launch" requirement]). What kills it in this case is the low altitude of the target; at this range, this means the target is under-the-horizon from the ship, and thus no terminal SARH illumination can be provided; thus the missile goes blind and self-destructs.

This is a very challenging engagement. You need a highly energetic missile with an efficient flight profile, that is able to maintain a lock on the target independent of guidance from the launching ship (either with onboard guidance or with CEC from another platform). In other words.... something like the SM-6 ERAM.

I was wondering about the target altitude, and how that may play into it...the director losing LOS specifically and impact to SARH guidance. I've read discussions here about lofting and low altitude drag and have now seen an example of the impact. Thanks for taking the time to review and explain. Very helpful!