US Navy Tests Its First Maritime Network-Enabled Weapon

The US Navy completed integrated test and evaluation of its first maritime, network-enabled weapon, the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) C-1 Jan. 7 at the Sea Range at Point Mugu, California.

The final developmental free flight test of the JSOW C-1 demonstrated the weapon’s effectiveness against maritime moving targets, an essential capability to support the Navy’s anti-surface warfare mission.

An update to the JSOW-C, the C-1 variant incorporates a two-way strike common weapon datalink enabling a moving maritime target capability. It is equipped with an imaging infrared seeker and an autonomous target capability to attack targets with precision accuracy.

During the test, the JSOW-C1, released from an F/A-18 Super Hornet, scored a direct hit to a moving maritime target and met all primary test objectives. This event proved the system’s readiness to begin operational test next month.

When operational test commences, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9 will be responsible for implementing real-world scenarios using the JSOW C-1 to verify that the weapon’s capability, suitability and design will be fully responsive to warfighter needs.

Cathy Metz, JSOW deputy program manager, said:

Operational test will provide the additional data points we need to further assess the weapon’s capabilities, as well as assess the JSOW C-1 in an operationally representative environment.

The weapon is slated for delivery to the fleet in 2016 after the successfully completion of OT.

When operational, JSOW C-1 will provide joint force commanders with an affordable, air-delivered, standoff weapon effective against both moving maritime targets and fixed land targets.

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Press release, Image: US Navy