First free-flight test for Harpoon Block II+

[Zarvan]

A first Harpoon Block II+ free-flight test was performed from an F/A-18E Super Hornet on 18 November. Source: NAVAIR

The US Navy (USN) has successfully completed a first free-flight test of the network-enabled AGM-84N Harpoon Block II+ air-launched anti-ship missile in a test on the Point Mugu sea range off the California coast.

A modification of the existing AGM-84D Harpoon Block 1C missile, the Block II+ weapon is being developed as a rapid-capability enhancement for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet for introduction in late fiscal year 2017 (FY 2017). Block II+ introduces a GPS guidance kit, a new datalink interface that enables in-flight updates, improved target selectivity, an abort option, and enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures to confer the Harpoon weapon with the ability to receive in-flight updates that improve the targeting and engagement of moving maritime targets.

The free-flight missile test event, performed from an F/A-18E Super Hornet on 18 November 2015, was the first end-to-end functionality test of an inert Harpoon Block II+ from pre-flight to target impact. According to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), the test "proved that the missile could receive target location updates from an F/A-18E/F while in-flight through its network-enabled datalink. It then successfully acquired a moving ship target using its active radar seeker and guided itself autonomously to impact the target."

Prior to this test, the Boeing/NAVAIR team delivering the Block II+ programme had completed 152 laboratory test events, 15 aircraft ground tests, and 16 flight tests. NAVAIR said that another "more demanding" developmental test will be conducted later in FY 2016.

The technical solution adopted for Harpoon Block II+ introduces the GPS and associated guidance control unit from the Harpoon Block II weapon (already fielded and in production for the international Harpoon community) together with the Strike Common Weapon Data Link (SCWDL) and modified operational flight software. The SCWDL (integrated via a MIL-STD-1760 interface) enables in-flight target positional updates to be received, so improving target selection.

Want to read more? For analysis on this article and access to all our insight content, please enquire about our subscription options ihs.com/contact




To read the full article, Client Login
(328 of 407 words)

First free-flight test for Harpoon Block II+ | IHS Jane's 360