The Raytheon Systems Company and the U.S. Navy conducted a live fire ground test of the Tactical Tomahawk missile on 17 May 2002 at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head, MD.

This functional ground test put the missile through all the rigors of a free flight test, however the missile was strapped to an integrated restrained firing test stand so evaluators could more accurately judge performance. The test "flight" demonstrated rocket motor firing and separation; separation of all jettisoned items; deployment of fins, inlet ducts and wings, and operation of the cruise engine, fins, and guidance systems. Launch commands and navigation inputs were provided by simulators to the missile so that its guidance and control system received the same signals as it does in actual flight. This successful execution paves the way for the Tactical Tomahawk's first free flight event scheduled for the third quarter FY02.

The Tactical Tomahawk (Block IV) is the next generation of the Navy's premiere cruise missile, due to reach the fleet in 2004 and will supplement the current Tomahawk Block II/III inventories. The Tomahawk is launched from surface ships and submarines, and was first employed operationally during Desert Storm. Since then, the missile has been heralded for its accuracy and lethality. The Tactical Tomahawk will boast several enhancements including launch platform mission planning capability, in-flight retargeting, loiter, battle damage assessment capability, and in-flight health and status reports.

The Tomahawk program is managed by the Program Executive Officer, Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation (PEO (W)). For more information on this and other PEO (W) programs, log on to www.strikenet.js.mil.