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Raytheon's new missile factory ready to fly

The giant military contractor opened its doors today on its brand-new missile assembly and test facility. It will make SM-3s and SM-6s for the U.S. and allied militaries.

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A Standard Missile-6, one of two missiles to be produced in Raytheon's new Huntsville, Ala., assembly plant. Raytheon

Raytheon, one of the world's largest military contractors, opened the doors today to its newest missile factory, a state-of-the-art facility that will produce weapons for the United States and its allies.

At new Raytheon plant, America's missiles come to life

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According to Raytheon, the Huntsville, Ala. plant, located at the U.S. Army's Redstone Arsenal, will produce Standard Missile-3 and Standard Missile-6 interceptors. The first SM-6s should be delivered in early 2013, while the SM-3s should be ready a quarter later.

The facility is said to be among the most advanced missile production plants in the world, utilizing laser-guided transport vehicles for moving missile components around.