Wed, Oct 22, 2008
Flight Marks 16th Consecutive Test Of The Tomahawk Block
IV
A US Navy Virginia class submarine recently fired a
Raytheon Tomahawk Block IV missile from the Gulf of Mexico to
engage a simulated target. The flight completes the integration of
the Tomahawk cruise missile onto the Navy's newest fast-attack
submarine, adding another platform to the list of combatant vessels
that can carry the combat-proven weapon.
"Integration of the Tomahawk Block IV on the Virginia class
submarine provides the fleet with a powerful combination of
delivering Special Operations Forces and supporting them with the
power and precision of the Tomahawk missile," said Capt. Rick
McQueen, the US Navy's program manager for the Tomahawk weapon
system. "The Tomahawk currently is used very effectively in the
global war on terror. The fleet now has the ability to expand the
prosecution of this mission with increased stealth, flexibility and
precision firepower."
Tomahawk Block IV is a surface- and submarine-launched precision
strike stand-off weapon. It is designed for long-range precision
strike missions against high-value and heavily defended
targets.
"This test highlights a successful integration effort that
provides all the capabilities of the Tomahawk missile on Navy
platforms that include destroyers, cruisers, fast-attack and
guided-missile boats," said Gary Hagedon, Raytheon's Tomahawk
program director.
This was the 16th consecutive test of the Tomahawk Block IV and
completes the Navy's 2008 test series of eight launches.
The Tomahawk Block IV employs a two-way satellite data link that
enables a strike controller to flex the missile in flight to
preprogrammed alternate targets or redirect it to a new target.
This targeting flexibility includes the capability to loiter over
the battlefield and await a more critical target.
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