US Navy Conducts 13th Successful Flight Test of Tomahawk Block IV Missile

Released on Tuesday, July 22, 2008

CHINA LAKE, Calif., July 22, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- A U.S. Navy Ticonderoga- class cruiser fired a Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) Tomahawk Block IV missile June 17. The missile flew more than 500 miles along a preplanned route and precisely engaged its target.

"This test demonstrated that the combat-proven Tomahawk Block IV missile is a significant force multiplier for the U.S. Navy," said Capt. Rick McQueen, the U.S. Navy's program manager for the Tomahawk weapon system. "It also confirmed the missile has the range and precision strike capabilities that enable commanders to shape the battlespace in unprecedented depth and detail."

This was the 13th consecutive successful test of the Tomahawk Block IV. Seven of the test shots were from a submarine, and six were from a surface vessel.

"The missile is tested under rigorous conditions to assure the warfighter that the weapon will perform exactly as promised when used during combat," said Gary Hagedon, Raytheon's Tomahawk program director. "'The Tomahawk reliability is the result of our highly dedicated and skilled engineers, workers, suppliers, and U.S. Navy partners."

Tomahawk Block IV is a surface- and submarine-launched precision strike stand-off weapon. It is designed for long-range precision strike missions against high-value and heavily defended targets.