The BGM-109 Tomahawk is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile. Introduced by General Dynamics in the 1970s, it was designed as a medium- to long-range, low-altitude missile that could be launched from a submerged submarine. It has been improved several times and, by way of corporate divestitures and acquisitions, is now made by Raytheon. Some Tomahawks were also manufactured by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Defense, Space & Security).
Description
The Tomahawk missile family consists of a number of subsonic, jet engine-powered missiles for attacking a variety of surface targets. Although a number of launch platforms have been deployed or envisaged, only naval (both surface ship and submarine) launched variants are currently in service. Tomahawk has a modular design, allowing a wide variety of warhead, guidance and range capabilities.
Type = Long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile
Place of origin = United States
Service history
In service = 1983-present
Production history
Manufacturer = General Dynamics (initially) and Raytheon/McDonnell Douglas
Unit cost = Approximately $569,000 (FY99 $) , Approximately $755,851.27 in 2011 dollars.
Specifications
Weight = 2,900 lb (1,300 kg)
Length = Without booster: 18 ft 3 in (5.56 m)
With booster = 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
Diameter = 20.4 in (0.52 m)
Warhead Conventional = 1,000 lb (450 kg) Bullpup, or submunitions dispenser with BLU-97/B Combined Effects Bomb, or a 200kt (840 Tj) W80 nuclear device (inactivated in accordance with SALT)
Detonation mechanism = FMU-148 since TLAM Block III, others for special applications
Engine = Williams International F107-WR-402 turbofan
= using TH-dimer fuel and a solid-fuel booster
Wingspan = 8 ft 9 in (2.67 m)
Operational range = 1,350 nautical miles (2,500 km)
Speed = Subsonic - about 550 mph (880 km/h)
Guidance system= GPS, TERCOM, DSMAC
Launch platform = Vertical Launch System (VLS) and horizontal submarine torpedo tubes (known as TTL (torpedo tube launch))
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