The Harpoon Replacement

[GDS_Starfury]

I thought this might be to interesting to get lost in the T&O forum.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1325

The U.S. Air Force already conducted several tests with the LRASM onboard B-1 bombers. Ultimately a B-1B could carry up to 24 LRASM as it is currently capable of carrying 24 JASSM-ER. This would make the B-1B the most potent ASUW platform in the U.S. Air Force. As far as the U.S. Navy is concerned, the Super Hornet will be the main airborne platform to deploy the next generation anti-ship missile. We were told during AUSA that F-35 Lightning II could certainly deploy the missile, but would not be able to carry it internally because of the size of the LRASM.

Tests have begun to launch the LRASM from Mk41 Vertical Launch System cells. This type of VLS is widely used across the U.S. Navy fleet of destroyers and cruisers.

LRASM comes with a revolutionary sensor made by BAE Systems. The sensor is designed for situations where access to the airspace is made difficult for Allied Forces by the enemy. The sensor uses advanced electronic technologies to detect targets within a complex signal environment, and then calculates precise target locations for the missile control unit.

LRASM live launch testing from VLS is scheduled for mid-year 2014. LRASM air-launched testing will continue next year with flights from the B-1B. F/A-18 Super Hornet integration and testing will be part of a future contract.

Lockheed Martin successfully launched the first Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) Boosted Test Vehicle (BTV) from a MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) canister at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. During the company-funded test, the MK41 VLS successfully launched the LRASM BTV. The BTV, which includes the proven Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (VL/ASROC) Mk-114 rocket motor, ignited successfully, penetrated and exited through the canister cover and performed a guided flight profile similar to a tactical configuration.

Lockheed Martin's Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) recently achieved another successful flight test, with the missile scoring a direct hit on a moving maritime target. The test was conducted in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Office of Naval Research (ONR) program.

Flying over the Sea Range at Point Mugu, Calif., a U.S. Air Force B-1B bomber from the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, released the LRASM, which navigated through all planned waypoints receiving in-flight targeting updates from the Weapon Data Link. After transitioning to autonomous guidance, LRASM identified the target using inputs from the onboard sensors. The missile then descended for final approach, verified and impacted the target.

"This test, combined with the success of the first flight test in August, further demonstrates the capabilities and maturity of LRASM," said Mike Fleming, LRASM air launch program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "The new sensors and legacy JASSM-ER components all performed well during the flight and the missile impacted the target as planned."

[GDS_Starfury]

so we can launch a X-47b from a carrier and have it roam out hundreds miles, find some Chinese ships and then send that info back over datalink to B-2s, B-1s and B-52s loitering with intent using the carriers F-18s and F-35s as a fighter screen and launch a coordinated strike where every missile can be fed target data in realtime. 

OK China, lets play Navy.  8)

[Staggerwing]

Why don't we just fit the operational version of the x-47 with the damn thing and then we would rule the waves.

Jessica Biel could be spokeswoman for the USN's 'Tinman' Kickstarter funding page: