JSOW C-1 completes final integrated test
Raytheon and the US Navy have successfully completed the final free flight of the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) C-1 in its integrated testing phase, the company announced on 15 April.
The JSOW C-1 demonstrated its effectiveness against maritime targets in motion during the development test. It is now on track to begin operational testing in the spring of 2015 and begin deliveries for the naval fleet in 2016 after the operational testing is successfully completed.
During the development test, two F/A-18E/F aircraft executed a pre-launch handoff, after which the weapon was released 35 nautical miles from the target. The aircraft transferred control of the weapon once again and sent a post-launch retargeting command to reroute the JSOW C-1 from its initial target ship to a higher priority target.
The JSOW C-1 gave real-time in-flight track and bomb hit indication status messages to the controlling aircraft while it flew to its target.
Celeste Mohr, JSOW programme director, Raytheon, said: ‘JSOW C-1 will be the US navy’s first air-launched, net enabled weapon to provide warfighters with the vital capability to engage both stationary land-based and manoeuvring sea-based targets.
‘The affordable JSOW is critical to countering today’s advanced, emerging threats.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
Armada 2050: can Spain deliver its naval transformation?
Spain’s naval modernisation drive is moving from concept to contracts, with RfIs and RfPs expected before the end of the decade, despite second-batch frigate and submarine numbers remaining undecided.
-
Italy sets course for a decade of sustained naval investment
The country's long-term growth plan to overhaul its fleets well into the 2030s could open the door to an array of opportunities for suppliers.
-
FNSS looks to put uncrewed vehicles at the front of amphibious assaults
The new platform is designed to put reconnaissance, obstacle clearance and fire support ahead of the crewed force in a contested landing.
-
US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog
A White House memorandum acknowledges US Navy shipbuilding backlogs and a weakened industrial base, opening a formal path for South Korean and Japanese yards to help rebuild capacity.