UK Ministry of Defence, The Royal Navy has today, Tuesday 3 July 2007, released images of its latest high tech 'smart' new Block IV Tomahawk long-range land attack missile in a live firing trial off the United States' coast.
The successful firing clearly demonstrates the huge increase in capability offered by this world class weapon.
The 5,200 tonne attack submarine HMS Trenchant used one of her torpedo tubes to launch the advanced new long-range missile, which then flew over the Gulf of Mexico, striking a target hundreds of miles away with pin-point accuracy.
During the 60 minute test fight the missile reached heights of 10,000 feet (3km) and speeds of 500 miles an hour (805 kmh).
Linked to satellite communication systems, the enhanced weapon will improve the long-range precision punch of the Royal Navy. With up to a third greater range than the current missiles they can hit targets over 1,000 miles (1,609 km) away, can be re-targeted in flight and even send back images of the battlefield to boost intelligence gathering.
Lord Drayson, Minister of State for Defence Equipment and Support, said:
“I'm delighted to announce that this vital trial of the new TLAM Block IV missile has been a great success. These conventionally armed land attack missiles are the most advanced of their type in the world – able to fly further and strike targets with even greater precision.
“They also incorporate the latest computer technology, giving them the ability to retarget or abort missions in flight and to take their own images of the battlefield.”
He added:
“This test is a very significant milestone which gives a tangible demonstration of our ability to deliver precision attack at long range against selected targets.
“They will give the Royal Navy a world class capability and the ability to pre-position the missile covertly in our attack submarines gives enormous flexibility to our forces.”
The Ministry of Defence bought 64 of the all-weather missiles from the United States Government under a £70M contract four years ago.
The unique capability is the result of close co-operation between the US and the UK – the only nation outside the US to have the Tomahawk Block IV.
The missiles will be capable of being fired from our current Trafalgar Class submarines as well as from the new Astute Class submarines when they enter service. Although a US missile, UK firms are playing key roles in providing electronic and submarine upgrades.
The missiles are made by Raytheon in the USA and supplied to the UK under the terms of a Foreign Military Sales case. Raytheon Systems Ltd, at Glenthroes in Fife, manufactures some of the missile electronics.
In addition, some limited upgrade work has been required by our submarine fleet to enable them to launch this enhanced missile; this has been undertaken by BAE Systems and Ultra Electronics in the UK.
The system is due to enter service with the Royal Navy in 2008 and will be used to equip the Royal Navy's existing attack submarines and the new Astute class.
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