Raytheon successfully tested a new passive seeker designed for its Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile.
The captive flight test, used a modified Tomahawk Block IV missile nose cone, demonstrating its ability to navigate the missile and track moving targets emitting radio frequency signals.
For the test, the nosecone of a Tomahawk Block IV missile was equipped with passive antennas integrated with Raytheon's new modular, multi-mode processor, and fitted to a T-39 aircraft.
Flying at subsonic speed and at varying altitudes, T-39 simulated a Tomahawk flight profile.
The passive seeker and multi-function processor successfully received numerous electronic signals from tactical targets in a complex, high density electromagnetic environment.
A company-funded active seeker test with the new processor is planned for early next year. That event will demonstrate the processor's ability to broadcast active radar as well as passively receive target electromagnetic information – a critical step in enabling the missile to strike moving targets on land and at sea.
The latest 1700 km range Block IV is a surface and submarine-launched precision strike stand-off cruise missile with terrain hugging capability.
It can carry out long-range precision strike missions against high-value and heavily defended targets.
