Article Posted on : - Oct 08, 2013

The Tomahawk land attack cruise missile. A Raytheon photo

POINT LOMA, CALIFORNIA (BNS): The Raytheon Company has successfully developed and field-tested an advanced multi-mode seeker for the Tomahawk Block IV subsonic cruise missile system.

The new Electronic Support Measure (ESM) seeker, developed as part of the company's new product improvement programme, has been designed to enable the missile to locate and track moving targets.

The ESM seeker incorporates a state-of-the-art processor and antenna to locate and track moving and fixed emitting targets.

The seeker's capability was validated in a realistic high-density environment after seven months of testing in anechoic chambers, Raytheon announced on Oct 7.

"This new moving target capability would enhance Tomahawk's already exceptional land attack mode capability by allowing it to engage moving targets on land," said Roy Donelson, Tomahawk programme director for Raytheon Missile Systems.

The advanced Block IV Tomahawk land attack cruise missile incorporates GPS navigation and a satellite data-link to provide the tactical commander with the flexibility to attack long-range fixed and re-locatable targets by providing a lethal, responsive and precise weapon.

The missile can circle for hours, shift course instantly on command and beam a picture of its target to controllers halfway around the world, according to Raytheon.

The new multi-mode seeker technology would allow the US Navy's Surface Action Group to fire Tomahawks from sanctuary and defeat mobile threats at long range, the company said.