Posted on 07/12/2003 11:49:52 AM PDT by Excuse_My_Bellicosity
PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy’s new Tomahawk cruise missile, the Block IV, or Tactical Tomahawk, soared through yet another first this week as it was launched from Los Angeles-class submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) July 9 in the waters of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) sea test range off the coast of southern California.
The event marked the first launch of the Tactical Tomahawk from an operational submarine launch platform.
The test demonstrated the newly-developed Block IV Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS) and the Tomahawk Command and Control System functionality, allowing the launch platform to receive an operational Block IV mission, pass it to the missile and then launch it from a submerged location. The submarine weapons control system (CCS MK2) uses TTWCS to control the Block IV missile prior to and after launch.
After receiving the control signals from the CCS MK4, the missile surged from the capsule launching system, demonstrating its operational submerged launch capability. The missile “broached” the ocean’s surface and successfully demonstrated shroud separation, rocket motor firing/separation and deployment of fins, inlet duct and wings as it transitioned to cruise flight for the 814-nautical mile mission to target impact in the NAVAIR China Lake Test Range.
The missile flawlessly navigated the assigned mission through the use of a global positioning system and digital scene matching area correlator updates. The test successfully demonstrated the unique Block IV weapon system communication capability between Tucson, tactical ground controllers and the in-flight missile.
“Our ship’s motto, ‘Team Tucson, the Tradition Continues’, is evermore true as the USS Tucson and our namesake city, Tucson, Ariz., produce a first for the U.S. Navy and our nation,” said Cmdr. William Traub, Tucson commanding officer. “The success of the Tactical Tomahawk program is only due to the dedication and teamwork of all of the men and women involved.”
This test continues the Navy’s formal government testing of the Tactical Tomahawk Weapons System from surface/sub-surface launch platforms, as the program prepares to enter final operational evaluation phase late this fall.
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 missile will become operational in the middle of 2004.
NAVAIR provides advanced warfare technology through the efforts of a seamless, integrated, worldwide network of aviation technology experts.
For related news, visit the NAVAIR - Naval Air Systems Command Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/navair.
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