By Sandra Schroeder
NAVAIR Public Affairs Office, PEO(W)

The U.S. Navy recently awarded a low rate initial production contract, valued at over $36 million, to Raytheon Systems Company for the production and delivery of Tactical Tomahawk® all-up-round missiles. The fixed price incentive contract additionally allows two mutually exclusive production options for FY03.

The Tactical TOMAHAWK or Block IV, is the latest variant of the Navy’s premiere cruise missile, due to reach the fleet in 2004. Raytheon completed a successful first flight of Tactical TOMAHAWK in August of this year, at a Navy test range in southern Calif.

The TOMAHAWK missile is ship and submarine launched, 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 mission planning onboard the launch platform, in-flight retargeting, loiter and battle damage assessment capability, and in-flight health and status reports.

The TOMAHAWK program is managed by the Program Executive Office, Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation, a member of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) team. NAVAIR provides advanced warfare technology through the efforts of a seamless, integrated, worldwide network of aviation technology experts. From professional training to carrier launch and recovery; from sensor data to precision targeting and real-time communications; from aircraft and weapons development to successful deployment and sustainment; NAVAIR provides dominant combat effects and matchless capabilities to the American warfighter.