Harpoon Block II+ network-enabled missile completes free-flight test
NewsNovember 25, 2015
NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. U.S. Navy officials announced the completion of the network-enabled Harpoon Block II+ missile system free-flight test. The event was the first end-to-end functionality test of an inert Harpoon Block II+ from pre-flight to target impact.
During the exercise, the missile received target location updates from an F/A-18 while in-flight through its network-enabled data link. Then, it acquired a moving ship target using its radar seeker and guided itself to impact the target. This test is a culmination of 152 lab-test sessions, 15 aircraft ground tests, and 16 flight tests, officials say.
We are on schedule to deliver this capability to the fleet in 2017. This free-flight test is an achievement for a joint Boeing and Navy team, says Cmdr. Matt Farr, Harpoon/ Standoff Land Attack Missile—Extended Range deputy program manager.
The AGM-84N Harpoon Block II+ will also have a new GPS guidance kit to help enhance the weapon’s navigation, officials say.
The exercise was done on November 18 at the Sea Range at Point Mugu, California. A developmental test is scheduled for 2016.
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