TUCSON, Ariz., July 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time,
the U.S. Navy test fired two Raytheon (NYSE: RTN)-built Tomahawk
cruise missiles from new submarine payload tubes on the
Virginia-class USS North Dakota (SSN-784). The tests, in the
Gulf of Mexico near Florida, proved the submarine's ability to
load, carry and vertically launch Tomahawk missiles from the new
Block III Virginia Payload Tube. The upgraded tubes feature fewer
parts and will be even more reliable.
In addition to the new payload tubes, the Navy is also
developing a new Virginia Payload Module. The new modules will
triple the number of Tomahawk missiles that Virginia-class
submarines can carry, dramatically increasing each sub's
firepower.
"As the Navy continues to modernize its subs, Raytheon continues
to modernize Tomahawk, keeping this one-of-a-kind weapon well ahead
of the threat," said Mike Jarrett,
Raytheon Air Warfare Systems vice president. "Today's
Tomahawk is a far cry from its predecessors and tomorrow's missile
will feature even more capability, giving our sailors the edge they
need for decades to come."
The U.S. Navy continues to upgrade the Tomahawk Block IV's
communications and navigation capabilities, while adding a
multi-mode seeker so it can hit high-value moving targets at sea.
These modernized Tomahawks are on track to deploy beginning in 2019
and will be in the U.S. Navy inventory beyond 2040.
Fired in combat more than 2,300 times, Tomahawk cruise missiles
are used by U.S. and British forces to defeat integrated air
defense systems and conduct long-range precision strike missions
against high-value targets. Surface ships and other classes of
submarines can carry more than 100 Tomahawks when needed.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2016 sales of
nearly $28
billion and 65,000 employees worldwide, is a
technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security
and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of
innovation spanning 95 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 cyber security and a broad range of mission support
services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit
us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.
Media Contact
Tara
Wood
+1.520.746.2097
rmspr@raytheon.com
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SOURCE Raytheon Company