Raytheon has successfully demonstrated the capability of the newest version of the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) C-1, as part of the US Navy's Trident Warrior 2013 demonstration programme.
During the testing, communications have been established between an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft, an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft and the JSOW C-1.
The team tracked and designated a target while fighters simulated the JSOW C-1 launch and the E-2D aircraft directed the weapon toward the identified target.
Raytheon Missile Systems JSOW programme director Celeste Mohr said the trials demonstrated the flexibility and seamless plug-and-play connectivity of the weapon's network-enabled capability.
"The test demonstrates the relative ease with which the US Navy can build on the ongoing integration of the JSOW C-1 on the US Navy's F/A-18 and expand the interoperability and connectivity to a fielded carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft," Mohr said.
In addition, the team successfully sent, received and acknowledged target updates as well as received bomb hit indication data from the weapon.
US Navy's precision strike weapons programme office's JSOW programme deputy programme manager, Commander Errol Campbell, said: "The success of the Trident Warrior 2013 demonstration proves the feasibility of providing the fleet a means of executing the complete kill chain with carrier-based assets utilising the F/A-18E/F, JSOW C-1 and E-2D to engage maritime targets at range."
An enhanced version of the existing JSOW C weapon, the JSOW C-1 has been designed to offer flexibility in engaging with moving maritime and stationary land targets.
JSOW C-1 is a series of low-cost, air-to-ground weapons and features an integrated GPS-inertial navigation system and terminal imaging infrared seeker to enhance capabilities for anti-surface warfare missions.
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