Harpoon Block II Plus: Boeing
The US Navy has completed an operational flight test using its new Harpoon Block II+ missile at Point Mugu Sea Test Range, before adding the weapon to the fleet.
The missile demonstrated its capability to be integrated with the newest software upgrade of the F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft during the trial.
Known as System Configuration Set H12E, the upgrade and its installation required several years of planning, designing, engineering and testing, which was conducted by a team comprising different entities across the US Navy enterprise.
Harpoon deputy programme manager commander Jon Schiffelbein said: “We are extremely proud to deliver precision targeting to the warfighter with a flexibility to stay ahead of threats.”
The Harpoon Block II+ missile offers a rapid-capability enhancement for the US Navy, comprising a new global positioning system (GPS) guidance kit, improved reliability and survivability of the weapon and a new data link interface that allows for the delivery of in-flight updates.
The capability upgrade also involves enhanced target selectivity, an ‘abort’ option and improved resistance to electronic countermeasures.
US Navy Precision Strike Weapons programme manager captain John Dougherty said: “The Harpoon Block II+ expands on a legacy of over 40 years of service.
“Using a proven product and expanding its capability ensures the navy has a viable weapon that is lethal, flexible and accessible at a low cost to address the growing maritime threat.”
In addition, the missile is capable of being launched from multiple air and surface platforms.
The US Navy intends to deploy the Harpoon Block II+ missile later this fiscal year.
Original post: naval-technology.com
Harpoon Block II & II+
In production at Boeing facilities in Saint Charles, Missouri, is the Harpoon Block II, intended to offer an expanded engagement envelope, enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures and improved targeting. Specifically, the Harpoon was initially designed as an open-ocean weapon. The Block II missiles continue progress begun with Block IE, and the Block II missile provides the Harpoon with a littoral-water anti-ship capability.
The key improvements of the Harpoon Block II are obtained by incorporating the inertial measurement unit from the Joint Direct Attack Munition program, and the software, computer, Global Positioning System (GPS)/inertial navigation system and GPS antenna/receiver from the SLAM Expanded Response (SLAM-ER), an upgrade to the SLAM.
The US Navy awarded a $120 million contract to Boeing in July 2011 for the production of about 60 Block II Harpoon missiles, including missiles for 6 foreign militaries. Boeing lists 30 foreign navies as Block II customers.
India acquired 24 Harpoon Block II missiles to arm its maritime strike Jaguar fighters in a deal worth $170 million through the Foreign Military Sales system. In December 2010, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified U.S. Congress of a possible sale of 21 additional AGM-84L HARPOON Block II Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $200 million; the Indian government intends to use these missiles on its Indian Navy P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft. Indian Navy is also planning to upgrade the fleet of four submarines - Shishumar class submarine - with tube-launched Harpoon missiles.
On 18 November 2015, the U.S. Navy tested the AGM-84N Harpoon Block II+ missile against a moving ship target. The Block II+ incorporates an improved GPS guidance kit and a net-enabled data-link that allows the missile to receive in-flight targeting updates. The Block II+ is planned to enter service in 2017.
U.S. Navy infographic: Harpoon chronicle
Source: seaforces.org
F/A-18E/F & Block III Super Hornet: Details
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