BGM-109 Tomahawk

BGM-109 Tomahawk is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile developed in the United States and initially deployed by the United States Navy in the 1980s. Designed for precision strikes against high-value targets, it can be launched from U.S. Navy surface ships and submarines. The missile has been a cornerstone of American standoff weapon capabilities, seeing extensive combat use from the Gulf War to modern conflicts.

Development and design

The program originated in the 1970s under a United States Navy contract with General Dynamics, evolving from earlier cruise missile concepts like the AGM-86 ALCM. Key design challenges included developing a small, efficient turbofan engine, achieved by Williams International, and creating a sophisticated guidance system for terrain following flight. The missile's design integrates an inertial navigation system (INS) updated by Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and, later, the Digital Scene Matching Area Correlator (DSMAC) and Global Positioning System (GPS) for terminal accuracy. Its ability to fly at very low altitudes following a pre-programmed flight path makes it difficult for enemy air defense systems like the S-300 to intercept.

Operational history

The missile entered service in 1983 and first saw combat during the Gulf War in 1991, launched from battleships like the USS Wisconsin (BB-64) and submarines, striking targets in Iraq and Kuwait. It was used extensively in the Bosnian War, including during Operation Deliberate Force, and again in Iraq during Operation Desert Fox and the Iraq War. More recent employment includes strikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Syria and Iraq, and retaliatory strikes on Syrian government facilities following the Khan Shaykhun chemical attack. The Royal Navy has also employed it in combat, such as during the 2018 missile strikes against Syria.

Variants

Numerous variants have been developed, starting with the nuclear-armed BGM-109A (TLAM-N). Conventional variants include the anti-ship BGM-109B (TASM), the land-attack BGM-109C (TLAM-C) with a unitary warhead, and the submunition-dispensing BGM-109D (TLAM-D). The Block III introduced GPS and improved engines. The current major production model is the Block IV (Tactical Tomahawk), featuring two-way satellite communication for in-flight retargeting, loiter capability, and a camera for battle damage assessment. The newly introduced Block V variant includes upgraded navigation and communication systems and a new warhead for maritime strike missions.

Specifications

The missile is approximately 18 feet 3 inches (5.56 m) long, weighs 2,900 pounds (1,315 kg), and has a wingspan of 8 feet 9 inches (2.67 m). It is powered by a Williams International F107-WR-402 turbofan engine and a solid-fuel rocket booster for launch. Its range is between 900 and 1,500 statute miles (1,400 to 2,400 km) depending on the flight profile and variant. Guidance is provided by a combination of INS, TERCOM, DSMAC, and GPS. The conventional warhead is typically a 1,000-pound (450 kg) class WDU-36/B unitary penetrator or submunitions.

Operators

The primary operator is the United States Navy, which deploys the missile on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Ticonderoga-class cruisers, Los Angeles-class submarines, Virginia-class submarines, and Ohio-class submarines. The only international operator is the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom, which integrates them on its Astute-class submarines and Type 23 frigates. The potential sale of the system to other allies, such as Australia under the AUKUS pact, has been discussed.

Category:Cruise missiles of the United States Category:Surface-to-surface missiles of the United States Category:General Dynamics