From SSP PAO Press Release

A Tomahawk Block III missile was successfully launched today from a Trident missile tube of an Ohio-class fleet ballistic missile submarine, USS Florida (SSBN 728), as part of a demonstration and validation (DEMVAL) test, designated Flight Test 252, in support of the Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided missile submarine (SSGN) program. This was the first time an Ohio-class submarine has launched a Tomahawk missile.

Today's successful at-sea DEMVAL test of a Tomahawk launch from an SSBN was conducted at 9 a.m. EST in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of western Florida. The Block III missile was launched vertically from a Trident missile tube onboard USS Florida and transitioned to cruise flight, flying its planned mission at the Eglin Air Force C Range using global positioning satellite navigation, with recovery occurring at Eglin AF Base.

The Tomahawk launched today was an unarmed instrumented Block III missile configured with an MK 106 Rocket Motor Assembly to obtain a boosted energy profile similar to the Tactical Tomahawk missile currently in development. The missile had been located within a single Trident missile tube onboard USS Florida in such a configuration that it was similar to the tightly packed cluster of Tomahawk All-Up-Rounds (AURs) planned for SSGN Trident tubes. An instrumented test vehicle was also collocated in the Trident launch tube to measure the effect of nearby launches on adjacent missiles.

Today's at-sea DEMVAL testing will identify and help reduce risks associated with a submerged Tomahawk launch from a tightly packed cluster of Tomahawk AURs collocated within a Multiple All-Up-Round Canister (MAC) that will provide the support structure for up to seven Tomahawk AUR missiles in each of the large diameter Trident tubes on an Ohio-class submarine. The MAC development process has included conducting land-based DEMVAL tests as part of an overall risk reduction plan culminating in today's at-sea launch. The principal objective of the at-sea DEMVAL test was to collect underwater launch risk assessment data for MAC design. USNS Waters, a launch area support ship, also participated in the DEMVAL test. The ship's radar gathered information that will supplement other accumulated test data.

Today's test confirmed the ability to launch a Tomahawk from an SSBN. The test also provided underwater videotape for evaluation of launch phenomenology, temperature and pressure transducer data related to hatch opening closure and adjacent closure survivability, debris radar data for characterization of debris patterns, and flow field instrumentation from above the launch tube for correlation with launch models. This data will be analyzed and used to correlate the results of previously completed ground-based DEMVAL testing and computer-based simulation.

The at-sea DEMVAL was coordinated by the Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) in conjunction with the SSGN Program Manager, Naval Sea Systems Command (PMS 398), and the Tomahawk Missile System Manager, Naval Air Systems Command [Program Executive Officer, Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation  (PEO(W)].

SSP is responsible for the design, development, production, and life cycle support of the SSGN MAC as well as for the development and installation of the Attack Weapon Control System (AWCS) on the Ohio-class SSGNs. The AWCS will include integration of the Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control System with a modified existing strategic fire control system. The AWCS will support the launch of Tomahawk Block III and Tactical Tomahawk missiles housed in a MAC within the Trident submarine missile tubes. Leveraging existing Trident and Tomahawk infrastructures will allow for cost effective development and life cycle support as well as provide flexibility for the future.

The developer and manufacturer of the MAC is Northrop Grumman Marine Systems, Sunnyvale, CA. The manufacturer of Tomahawk is Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, AZ. The developer and manufacturer of the Attack Weapon Control System is General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems (GDAIS).

The SSGN at-sea DEMVAL test is being followed by and coordinated with the GIANT SHADOW Sea Trial experiment which includes an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Nuclear-Bio-Chem (NBC) Force Protection Mission Experiment in support of SOF utilizing the same submarine. The SSGN at-sea DEMVAL test and GIANT SHADOW experiment demonstrate the advantages of Commander Fleet Forces Command's Sea Trial process, the key enabler for achieving the Navy's Sea Power 21 vision. These demonstrations will integrate war gaming, experimentation, and exercises into rapid concept and technology development that will deliver improved capabilities to the fleet as swiftly as possible.

Bill Kreher      Naval Submarine League        (703) 256-0891
Operations Manager    Box 1146               (703) 642-5815 (FAX)
                        Annandale, VA 22003

C. Michael Garverick
Executive Director
Naval Submarine League  www.navalsubleague.com
(703) 256-0891(V) - (703) 642-5815 (FAX)