Photo credit © Raytheon
New missile will counter swarming boat threats.
Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) successfully completed flight tests of its Griffin™ C increased capability missile. The tests at Yuma Proving Ground,Arizona highlighted the missile’s In-Flight Target Update (IFTU) capability when it was redirected to a new target in mid-flight. IFTU is vital for naval forces facing swarming boat threats that often intermingle with friendly and neutral shipping.
« With its extended range motor, Griffin C’s increased capability addresses the need for a longer range missile with in-flight retargeting. Because they often operate in a high-traffic, littoral waters, naval warfighters must make split-second decisions to engage or disengage targets, » said Dr.Thomas R. Bussing, vice president of Advanced Missile Systems at Raytheon Missile Systems. « By enhancing an already tested and fielded system, we can deliver a missile with significantly improved capabilities at lower costs and risk. »
Griffin C, formerly called SeaGriffin™ went three-for-three in flight testing. Raytheon has now completed Griffin C’s development phase linking the new dual-mode seeker, data link and IFTU.
Raytheon conducted this flight test series to demonstrate the missile’s readiness as the Surface Warfare solution for the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships Surface-to-Surface Missile Module.
About Griffin C-
Raytheon’s Griffin missile, in production today, is a multi-platform, multi-service weapon that has a proven track record for successful rapid integration on land, sea and air assets. Griffin C, will add significantly increased capability to the Griffin B Block II variant that is currently fielded on U.S. Navy Patrol Coastal vessels. Griffin C capability enhancements include:
- An extended range motor that will triple the range of the current Griffin B
- Dual-mode IIR/SAL seeker
- Data link for in-flight target updates and positive missile control
- Vertical launch with 360 degree coverage
- Thrust vector control
- Waypoint navigation
