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.’