Aero India 2017: Textron reports G-Claw testing
Textron Systems Weapon and Sensor Systems' G-Claw precision guided glide weapon has undergone successful testing at Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona, the company announced on 14 February.
The testing was carried out against static and moving targets from a Cessna Caravan aircraft, with engagement reported as within one metre circular error probable. The weapon transferred navigation from a GPS-aided inertial navigation system to the semi-active laser sensor for terminal guidance, with Textron reporting that the results verified end-to-end guidance through successful engagement of an off-axis target greater than two kilometers downrange from the aircraft.
G-Claw incorporates tri-mode fuzing - height of burst, impact and delay - to maximise effects against a broad target set. The weapon has been designed with modularity to support rapid incorporation of emerging technologies in guidance, seekers and warhead effects, and to allow it to be adapted to changing mission requirements at minimum development cost.
In addition to the Caravan, the weapon can be integrated onto aircraft including the Textron AirLand Scorpion jet, and launch systems such as the Common Launch Tube, using a roll-on/roll-off battle management system.
Brian Sinkiewicz, senior vice president and general manager, Weapon and Sensor Systems, said: 'We are pleased with the test results and development progress of the G-Claw precision guided weapon system.'
More from Defence Notes
-
How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence
The Canadian Department of National Defence has been increasing efforts to accelerate the acquisition of new equipment and modernise its in-service inventory.
-
Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing
The partnership with the US airframer will see Palantir’s AI software leveraged to help streamline data analytics across Boeing’s 12 factories on defence and classified programmes.
-
DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities
DroneShield disclosed to Shephard its plans to increase its workforce and manufacturing capacities while strengthening partnerships with US suppliers.
-
Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities
The technology organisation is expecting a significant rise in the number of staff working across robotics and digital solutions as it becomes more of a focal point.
-
Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military
Senior officers and representatives from the US Army, US Air Force and US Navy emphasised the need to expedite acquisition projects for systems and platforms that are more modular. They also highlighted that the loss of equipment is acceptable.
-
Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)
Shephard's Alix Valenti interviewed Project Kuiper's Don Brown at DSEI 2025, discussing the company's innovative approach to sovereignty of space communications systems, which focuses on being able to control the network rather than ownership of satellite constellations.