The concept for Block IV arose from a challenge by the Pentagon to implement the U.S. Navy's vision of a low-cost "Tactical" Tomahawk system that would provide affordable, responsive fire power, affordable follow-on production, and significantly reduce life cycle cost.

"The Navy-Raytheon Team is very honored and excited to provide the warfighter the Tactical Tomahawk missile. This revolutionary weapon, with its flexible targeting and loitering capabilities, builds on the tremendous 32- year tradition and success of the legacy Tomahawk Program," said Navy Capt. Bob Novak, Tomahawk All-Up Round program manager. "The Navy's weapon of choice is now even more affordable, lethal and survivable."

"Reaching this production milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone who was part of the design, development, testing and now, production, of this next generation system," said Louise L. Francesconi, Raytheon Missile Systems president.

"This new Block IV missile is the result of the collective commitment of the Navy and Raytheon to provide affordable, operational capabilities for critical long-range, precision strike missions. This first production delivery confirms our commitment to deliver this needed capability to the warfighter."

Tactical Tomahawk will be the centerpiece of the Navy's new Tomahawk Baseline IV Weapons System. The system integrates the Tactical Tomahawk missile with improved mission planning and platform weapons control capabilities.

This latest version of the Navy's surface- and submarine- launched precision strike standoff weapon incorporates innovative technologies to provide unprecedented operational capabilities while dramatically reducing acquisition, life cycle and ownership costs.

The Block IV missile will have a 15-year warranty and recertification cycle, compared to the Block III variant's eight-year recertification cycle.

The new capabilities that Block IV Tomahawk will bring to the Navy's sea strike capability are derived from the missile's two-way satellite data link that enables the missile to respond to changing battlefield conditions. The strike controller can "flex" the missile in flight to preprogrammed alternate targets or redirect it to a new target.

This targeting flexibility includes the capability to loiter over the battlefield awaiting a more critical target. The missile can also transmit battle damage indication imagery and missile health and status messages via the satellite data link. And, for the first time, firing platforms will have the capability to plan and execute Global Positioning System-only missions. Block IV will also introduce an anti-jam GPS receiver for improved mission performance.

The Navy and Raytheon are entering into a five-year multi-year procurement contract to replenish Tomahawk inventory at the most affordable cost. The legacy program Tomahawk missile is the Navy's weapon of choice for critical, long-range precision strike missions against high value, heavily defended targets. The Block IV will cost less half the price of a newly built Block III missile.

Related Links
Raytheon
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express