ARABIAN GULF (March 20, 2014) - The coastal patrol ship USS Typhoon (PC-5) launches an MK-60 surface-to-surface missile during a Griffin missile exercise. The Griffin missile exercise is a surface-to-surface live-fire missile exercise conducted to train for small boat threats in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Doug Harvey/Released)

April 4, 2014 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: U.S Navy; issued April 3, 2014)

Four for Four: Successful Griffin Missile Test Fire In US 5th Fleet

MANAMA, Bahrain --- A flotilla of coastal patrol (PC) ships launched four missiles at target sleds last week to test the operational capability of the system.

Each missile fired resulted in a successful test of the system and destruction of the target.

The U.S. Navy recently completed the installation of the Griffin Missile System (GMS) aboard USS Firebolt (PC 10), USS Sirocco (PC 6), USS Typhoon (PC 5) and USS Whirlwind (PC 11), which represent four of the eight U.S. 5th Fleet PC force.

PC crews are quickly mastering the new weapon.

"The entire Griffin system has proven to be a reliable and accurate weapon system that has a relatively low training threshold requirement," said Capt. Joe Naman, commander, Destroyer Squadron 50. "After only a few days of hands-on training, operators are confident in their ability to operate and execute engagements with the Griffin missile."

GMS not only significantly extends the range of the PC's self-defense capability, but also enhance s the performance of core mission sets like maritime infrastructure protection, escort duties and defense of commercial shipping.

"The coastal patrol force greatly enhances U.S. Navy capacity to conduct more partnered and more complex operations and exercises with our Arabian Gulf allies and other coalition members," said Naman. "We continue to modernize our patrol boat force to match our partners and maximize our defensive capabilities"

Guided missiles like the Griffin give a greater punch to the PC's and will be used alongside existing crew-served weapons and the 25mm MK 38 Mod 2 stabilized chain guns. This layered defense provides PC crews with an enhanced capability to defeat small boat threats.

GMS consists of a government-designed launcher and weapons control system, Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) Systems' BRITE Star II sensor/laser designator, and Raytheon's Griffin B (Block II) missile.

Adapted from aviation and special operations platforms, the 43-inch-long, 33-pound missile has proven itself to be lethal against small boat threats.

All ten Bahrain-based PCs will be outfitted with GMS by 2016.

PCs are in Bahrain based on a strong demand signal for increased Maritime Security Operations in this region. The cost effective ships are ideal platforms for conducting regional engagements with our regional partners.

Sep 27, 2013 ASDNews Source : Raytheon Corporation

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and the U.S. Navy demonstrated the Griffin® missile's combat proven capabilities in a maritime environment by successfully engaging fast-moving small boats from various platforms throughout a series of at-sea tests.

During one of the tests, the MK-60 Patrol Coastal Griffin Missile System was integrated on a Cyclone-class Patrol Coastal-class ship, where the missile was employed against remote-controlled boats simulating a threat to the ship.

"The Griffin missile and the MK-60 System provide the accuracy and lethality required to meet the requirements of our operational testing," said Capt. Mike Ladner, major program manager of Surface Ship Weapons, U.S. Navy Integrated Warfare Systems 3.0 program office.

The most recent test, conducted at the Navy's Point Mugu, Calif., sea test range, marked the completion of a quick reaction assessment that will lead to fielding of the Griffin missile on forward deployed Patrol Coastal ships later this year.

"The Griffin missile is ideally suited for protecting Navy ships against the increasing small boat threat," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Air Warfare Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems. "Griffin is fully developed, lightweight and precise. It is designed with confined lethality to minimize collateral effects and maximize operational effectiveness."

The MK-60 Patrol Coastal Griffin Missile System includes a proven laser targeting system as well as a Navy-designed launcher and battle management system featuring the Griffin missile. This system will provide the Navy's Patrol Coastal class ships with their first operational capability against small boat threats outside of current gun range.

About Griffin

The Griffin missile is a multi-platform, multi-service weapon that has a proven track record for successful rapid integration with land, sea and air assets. The combat-proven Griffin AGM-176A is an aft-eject missile designed for employment from platforms such as the C-130 aircraft. The Griffin BGM-176B is a forward-firing missile that launches from rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, ground-launch applications and maritime platforms. The Griffin missile is 43 inches long, weighs 33 pounds, has a 13-pound warhead, and is in production today.

Griffin enables the warfighter to engage targets via a simple user interface and guide the weapon to the target using GPS coordinates exclusively or with laser designation. To maximize lethality, the user can choose to engage the target with direct attack or high impact angle, and has the option of using height of burst, point detonation or delayed fuzing.