Tactical Tomahawk - Live Warhead Test Launch From Submarine
NAVAIR News Release
Press Release Number: EPEOW200307211
Release Date: 7/21/2003
With an unprecedented string of successful test events, the U.S. Navy's new Tomahawk cruise missile, Block IV or Tactical Tomahawk, completed its government technical flight test evaluation period. On July 20, the Tactical Tomahawk, configured with a live warhead, was launched from a Los Angeles Class submarine, USS TUCSON (SSN-770), in the waters of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) sea test range off the coast of southern California. The event marked the missile's first live warhead shot from a submarine and the second launch of the Tactical Tomahawk from the USS TUCSON using the new submarine Combat Control System (CCS MK 2).
After receiving the launch commands from the CCS MK2, the missile emerged from the ocean's surface and successfully demonstrated shroud separation, rocket motor firing/separation and deployment of fins, inlet cover and wings as it transitioned to cruise flight for the 720 nautical mile mission to target impact into NAVAIR's San Clemente Island facility. The test successfully demonstrated the unique Block IV weapon system communication capability between the USS TUCSON, tactical ground controllers, and the missile by using the Tomahawk Strike Network. While in flight, the missile's route was tactically altered demonstrating the remarkable flexibility of this system. Once over the target, the missile flawlessly performed a terminal high dive angle attack on a simulated military radio facility achieving successful detonation and impact well within delivery requirements.
"This flight closes out the most successful developmental test phase (TECHEVAL) in the Tomahawk program's 32-year history. Our success is a direct reflection of the superb team that the Navy and Raytheon have put together to provide the warfighter with a truly transformational weapon system," said Capt. Bob Novak, Tomahawk All-Up-Round program manager. "We are on track to proceed to the operational testing phase of Tactical Tomahawk starting later in the fall. Our aggressive schedule will ensure that the weapon has completed testing to meet the needs of the operational Navy in the spring of 2004."
The Tomahawk missile is ship and submarine launched, and was first employed operationally during Desert Storm. Since then, the missile has been heralded for its accuracy and lethality in numerous operations. The Tactical Tomahawk boasts several enhancements as demonstrated today, which increase warfighter effectiveness and responsiveness, while significantly reducing acquisition and life cycle costs.
The Tomahawk program is managed by the Program Executive Office, Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation (PEO(W)) co-located at the NAVAIR complex in Patuxent River, Maryland. The missile is manufactured by Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz. As in all Tomahawk flight tests, air route safety was carefully planned in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). For safety purposes, the Tactical Tomahawk could have been guided by commands from safety chase aircraft. Tomahawk is a registered trademark of the United States Navy.
NAVAIR provides advanced warfare technology through the efforts of a seamless, integrated, worldwide network of aviation technology experts. From professional training to carrier launch and recovery; from sensor data to precision targeting and real-time communications; from aircraft and weapons development to successful deployment and sustainment; NAVAIR provides dominant combat effects and matchless capabilities to the American warfighter.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
