Second Air Launch of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile, Point Mugu, California

Description

DEPARTMENT OF FILM RELEASE OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (PUBLIC AFFAIRS) UNITED STATES of SHIEND WASHINGTON, D.C. - 20301 PLEASE NOTE DATE IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 26, 1976 OXford 7-6161 Release #28-76 Footage: 98' 16mm Color Master Room 2E 773 Time: 2:44 103796 005000 SECOND AIR LAUNCH OF THE TOMAHAWK CRUISE MISSILE 005XXX 104963 (Official U. S. Navy Film Re leased by Department of Defense) 108190 DATE/PLACE: This footage was taken on April 26, 1976, at the Pacific Missile Test 100158 Range, Point Mugu, California. 103452 SCOPE: This coverage is of the second successful air launch in a series of flight tests of the TOMAHAWK Cruise Missile. BACKGROUND: The TOMAHAWK was launched from an A-6A Intruder aircraft over the Pacific ssile Test Center off the coast of California. "The primary purpose of the test was to evaluate the flight handling qualities of the tactical TOMAHAWK missile powered by a turbo-jet engine. Several major objectives were met in the test, including separation of the missile from the launch aircraft; demon- stration of the TOMAHAWK's aerodynamic capability to perform a tactical operational mission; demonstration of integrated aerodynemic/power plant performance; and evaluation of the missile's recovery system. "The second test launch, which was three weeks ahead of the initial schedule, was made from an altitude of 11,500 feet. Flight maneuvers, including left and right turns and altitude changes, were completed. "The TOMAHAWK was released from under the aircraft wing and was airborne for 41 minutes over the Pacific Ocean test range. Throughout the 305 nautical mile flight, the missile was under the control of its operational autopilot, with positive override command by a contractor airborne test conductor who rode in the right hand seat of the A-6. "The flight ended with wing retraction and deployment of the missile's parachutes and floatation bags, which are designed to facilitate recovery of the test missile from the ocean surface. The recovery was accomplished by helicopter. The recovered missile will be re-used in further testing and training. "The TOMAHAWK Cruise Missile is being developed for the Naval Air Systems Command by General Dynamics' Convair Division in San Diego. The TOMAHAWK Cruise Missile is a weapon system with options for both strategic and tactical applications to fit into submarine torpedo tubes. The missile can be launched from a variety of existing submarines, surface ships, tactical and strategic aircraft, and land platforms." 11 - MORE -

Collection

Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer

Series

Filmed News Releases