(August 8th 2001)
Tomahawk on Target
The Tomahawk Cruise Missile system is on target to achieve full operational capability with the Royal Navy after a successful test launch yesterday from the attack submarine HMS Trafalgar.
The test-firing took place in the Gulf of Mexico, and the missile flew to a target on the US test range at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. After a simulated detonation over its target, the missile was safely recovered by parachute. Targeting data was successfully provided to Trafalgar by satellite link from Fleet Headquarters at Northwood, London.
Tomahawk was used in action by HMS Splendid during the Kosovo campaign in 1999. HMS Trafalgar is the third Royal Navy submarine to be fitted with Tomahawk, and pioneers the use of advanced new software developed to improve interoperability between the US Navy and Royal Navy.