Tomahawk hits program milestone

source thebaynet.com

August 22, 2011 defpro.com

USS Normandy conducts Tomahawk missile 500th operational test launch

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. | The U.S. Navy marked 500 test flights for the Tomahawk Weapons System, in service for more than 30 years, July 20.

“Although the Tomahawk weapon system has been deployed for some time, it remains necessary to demonstrate the mission and operational capability of the entire weapon system while providing training for our fleet operating force,” said Capt. Joe Mauser, Tomahawk program manager (PMA-280).

A Tactical Tomahawk (TLAM/E) missile, T-7520, was launched from the USS Normandy (CG -60) off the southern coast of Florida and navigated through the Gulf of Mexico to impact a target in the Eglin Air Force Base weapons range when the milestone was reached.

“Countless team members, past and present, contributed to the successes preceding this milestone in the Tomahawk Weapons System Program,” said Lt. Cmdr. Alex Dutko, PMA-280’s assistant program manager for Test and Evaluation.

According to Dutko, the continuing legacy of safe, professional, rigorous, and effective testing was displayed during the milestone test when the team validated the capability of the new Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS version 5.4.0) to prepare and launch a TLAM/E missile. Preliminary data indicates that all test objectives were met.

“We are very proud of our team’s efforts,” Mauser said. “Achievements such as this remind us of the important role we play each and every day in supporting the warfighter.”

The ability of the Tomahawk to be launched from over 140 U.S. Navy ships and submarines has led to its use in every major combat operation since Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Recently, the 2,000th combat missile was launched against Libyan air defenses during Operation Odyssey Dawn.

The Tomahawk Weapons System is the U.S. Navy’s premier, precision strike stand-off weapon for attack of long range, medium range and tactical targets. The cruise missile can be armed with either nuclear, conventional unitary or conventional submunitions payloads and is capable of being launched from surface ships and submarines.