UK Ministry of Defence,
London UK: The Royal Navy has released images of its latest high tech 'smart' new Block IV Tomahawk long-range land attack missile in a live firing trial off the US 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 and speeds of 500 miles an hour.
The enhanced weapon will improve the long-range precision capability of the RN as it is linked to satellite communication systems. With up to a third greater range than the current missiles, they can hit targets over 1000 miles away, can be retargeted 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 today: “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.”
