Tomahawk naval missile completes production acceptance test
The US Navy's Tomahawk land attack missile completed a production acceptance test using functional ground test (FGT) capability on 19 March.
The all-weather, long-range, sub-sonic cruise missile can be used for land warfare, and is launched from naval surface ships and submarines.
Michael Spriggs, senior engineer and FGT test conductor, Naval Surface Warfare Center, said: 'This latest FGT - which is the 84th we've conducted in the past 25 years - was in support of the RGM-109E Block IV, Vertical Launch System (VLS) full-rate production lot acceptance.
'For the test, we used a single, representative missile from the full-rate production line to demonstrate the capability of this lot to perform mission requirements. The data we collected from the test will be used to verify the manufacturing processes and quality of missiles produced.'
During the test, the missile is operated at the level that it would be exercised in an operational flight through the detonation command. However, the missile remains restrained in a specially-designed test stand and is fitted with an inert warhead.
Mike Gardner, FGT software lead, Naval Surface Warfare Center, said: 'After launch, real-time, six-degree-of-freedom accredited mission simulation software provides inputs to the missile's guidance system to mimic flight, targeting and detonation. The missile 'flew' for about an hour and 45 minutes before it successfully acquired the target.'
Spriggs added: 'Preliminary assessment indicates this missile performed as expected and all test objectives were achieved.'
Phillip Vaughn, FGT program manager, Naval Surface Warfare Center, said: 'We anticipate conducting the next FGT later this fiscal year to sample a capsule launching system variant.'
More from Naval Warfare
-
BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement
Under Project Land 8710 Phase 2, Australia has been seeking to acquire an undisclosed number of Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels to replace the Balikpapan-class. The programme has an estimated value of AU$1.4 billion (US$910 million), with IOC slated for 2032.
-
Babcock to take over upkeep of Royal Navy Type-23 frigates
The Royal Navy’s Type-23 Duke-class frigates for the UK Royal Navy were designed as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships but now have a multi-role function. Of the 16 Type 23s built, 12 remain in service with the Royal Navy and will be replaced by the Type-26 frigates before 2035.
-
Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat
The work took place under the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which has been a collaboration between Austal, Greenroom Robotics, the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Warfare Innovation Navy Branch.
-
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.
-
Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first
On 24 March 2022, Greece and Naval Group have signed a contract for three defence and intervention (FDI) frigates. Two warships will be due for delivery in 2025 and the third expected the following year, with the deal including an option to add a fourth frigate to be ready in 2027.