Tactical Tomahawk begins final test phase

Sea Power, May 2003 by Burgess, Richard R

A Block IV Tactical Tomahawk cruise missile-built by Raytheon Missile Systems-has been launched for the first time from an operational surface combatant equipped with the Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control System. The test, conducted in the Naval Air Systems Command sea range off southern California, marked the beginning of the final phase of government evaluation of the new missile.

The missile-launched from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem-was the first of four scheduled for launch from ships and submarines during the missile's operational test phase. During the 5 April test, the missile "established a satellite link with its launch platform and passed numerous tactical messages to demonstrate its real-time command and control communication capability," according to a Navy statement. The missile flew 780 nautical miles to its target while using the Global Positioning System to update its navigation.

A test flight conducted on 21 March at the White Sands Missile Range, N.M., marked the first live test of the Penetrator variant of the Tactical Tomahawk. This variant-developed under an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration sponsored by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the Naval Air Systems Command-is designed to defeat weapons of mass destruction. The Penetrator variant is fitted with a Hard Target Smart Fuze, also developed under DTRA sponsorship.

The 21 March test "demonstrates the significant versatility of the Tactical Tomahawk to support a variety of payload options that can be delivered at extended ranges, making it a highly effective weapon choice," said Louise Francesconi, president of Raytheon Missile Systems.

Among the improvements incorporated in the Tactical Tomahawk are systems that upgrade the missile's in-flight-retargeting, tactical-loiter, and battle-damage-assessment capabilities, as well as mission planning on board the launch platform and the ability to transmit in-flight health and status reports.

In a related development, Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems has been awarded a $13.8 million Naval Sea Systems Command contract to continue work on integration of the Tactical Tomahawk with the Mk41 Vertical Launching System as part of the Navy's Cruiser Conversion Program-an effort to upgrade 22 of the 27 Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers with enhanced combat capabilities.

The Tactical Tomahawk is scheduled to reach initial operational capability in mid-2004. Raytheon officials say that the cost of the Block IV will be less than half that of the current Block II and III versions of the Tomahawk.

RICHARD R. BURGESS

Managing Editor