Flight test is key milestone on Tomahawk modernization path.
Using company-funded independent research and development investment, Raytheon Company is preparing for a multi-mode seeker test designed for a Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile. The captive flight test, using a modified Tomahawk Block IV missile nose cone, will be designed to demonstrate the processor’s ability to broadcast active radar as well as passively receive target electromagnetic radiation, which was demonstrated inFebruary 2014. This is a critical step in enabling the missile to strike moving targets on land and at sea.
“Completion of this test and last year’s passive seeker test will demonstrate that Tomahawk can hit moving targets on land and at sea,” said Mike Jarrett, Raytheon Air Warfare Systems vice president. “Raytheon is working to quickly and affordably modernize this already advanced weapon for naval warfighters.”
During the test, planned for the second quarter of 2015, the nosecone of a Tomahawk Block IV missile will be equipped with active and passive radio frequency antennas integrated with Raytheon’s new modular, multi-mode processor and fitted to a T-39 aircraft. Flying at high subsonic speed and at varying altitudes, the aircraft will simulate a Tomahawk flight regime. The multi-mode seeker and multi-function processor will operate the active radar against fixed and mobile targets on land and at sea, in a complex, high density electromagnetic environments.
About Tomahawk Block IV
With a range of approximately 1,000 statute miles, the Tomahawk Block IV missile is a surface- and submarine-launched precision strike stand-off weapon. Tomahawk is designed for long-range precision strike missions against high-value and heavily defended targets. More than 2,000 Tomahawks have been employed in combat. More than 500 Tomahawk flight and production validation tests have been completed. The missile is integrated on all major U.S. surface combatants, as well as U.S. and U.K. sub-surface platforms, including the Los Angeles, Virginia, Ohio, Astute and Trafalgar class submarines.
Source : Press Release (http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/2015-04-14-Raytheon-to-test-new-multi-mode-seeker-for-Tomahawk-cruise-missile)
Crédit photo © Raytheon (https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20150408/197478)
