Flight marks 16th consecutive test of the Tomahawk Block IV
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE TEST RANGE, Fla., Oct. 21, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- A
U.S. Navy Virginia class submarine fired a Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN)
Tomahawk Block IV missile from the Gulf of Mexico to engage a simulated
target.
The flight completes the integration of the Tomahawk cruise missile
onto the Navy's newest fast-attack submarine, adding another platform to
the list of combatant vessels that can carry the combat-proven weapon.
"Integration of the Tomahawk Block IV on the Virginia class submarine
provides the fleet with a powerful combination of delivering Special
Operations Forces and supporting them with the power and precision of the
Tomahawk missile," said Capt. Rick McQueen, the U.S. Navy's program manager
for the Tomahawk weapon system. "The Tomahawk currently is used very
effectively in the global war on terror. The fleet now has the ability to
expand the prosecution of this mission with increased stealth, flexibility
and precision firepower."
Tomahawk Block IV is a surface- and submarine-launched precision strike
stand-off weapon. It is designed for long-range precision strike missions
against high-value and heavily defended targets.
"This test highlights a successful integration effort that provides all
the capabilities of the Tomahawk missile on Navy platforms that include
destroyers, cruisers, fast-attack and guided-missile boats," said Gary
Hagedon, Raytheon's Tomahawk program director.
Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology
leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government
markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86
years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems
integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and
command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a
broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham,
Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.
Note to Editors:
This was the 16th consecutive test of the Tomahawk Block IV and completes the Navy's 2008 test series of eight launches.
Tomahawk Block IV's innovative technologies provide an expanded array of operational capabilities while dramatically reducing acquisition, operations and support costs. Tomahawk Block IV employs a two-way satellite data link that enables a strike controller to 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 and await a more critical target.
Contact:
Mike Nachshen
520.794.4088 - office
520.269.5697 - mobile
Michael_nachshen@raytheon.com
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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CONTACT:
Mike Nachshen of Raytheon Company,
+1-520-794-4088, office, +1-520-269-5697, mobile,
Michael_nachshen@raytheon.com
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