The U.S. Navy has achieved initial operational capability (IOC) on the MK-60 Patrol Coastal Griffin Missile System that includes the Raytheon Company Griffin missile. The milestone comes as the Navy continues to conduct littoral security operations in areas that require an immediate and precise response to confirmed threats.
The MK-60 Patrol Coastal Griffin Missile System includes a proven laser targeting system, a Navy-designed launcher and battle management system combined with Raytheon’s combat-proven Griffin missile.
“The Griffin missile and MK-60 system assure the accuracy and lethality our sailors need to combat growing regional threats,” said Captain Mike Ladner, Major Program Manager Surface Ship Weapons, U.S. Navy Integrated Warfare Systems 3.0 program office. “IOC signals the beginning of improved ship self-defense on the Patrol Coastal fleet and provides an immediate response to potential maritime threats, especially small craft on the move.”
IOC follows extensive maritime testing that began in March 2012. During that time, the Navy developed, integrated and tested a complete system using mature components combined with Raytheon’s Griffin missile.
“Griffin is a mature, lightweight precision weapon that delivers reliable operational effectiveness to the warfighter,” said Mike Jarrett, vice president of Air Warfare Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems. “The Navy’s declaration of IOC with the Griffin Missile System is a significant accomplishment that demonstrates Griffin’s flexibility and shows the missile is ideally suited to protect against the small boat threat on a variety of platforms.”
The Griffin missile is a multi-platform, multi-service weapon that has a proven track record for successful rapid integration on land, sea and air assets. The combat-proven Griffin AGM-176A is an aft-eject missile designed for employment from platforms such as the C-130 aircraft. The Griffin BGM-176B is a forward-firing missile that launches from rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, ground-launch applications and maritime platforms. The Griffin missile is 43 inches long, weighs 33 pounds, has a 13-pound warhead, and is in production today.
[mappress] Press Release, March 26, 2014, Image: Raytheon