The Navy’s Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM) once again demonstrated its accuracy and lethality during special testing on the West Coast last week. F/A-18 squadron VFA-151, attached to Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2), conducted a highly successful SLAM launch against a designated target complex located on San Nicolas Island. The F/A-18 aircraft, piloted by Lt. Jonathan Wise, launched SLAM using the newly implemented GPS-only guidance tactic.
This was the second successful verification test of GPS-only guidance for SLAM -- a tactic developed to allow SLAM use against very small, high value, targets until the Navy fields the upgraded SLAM Expanded Response (SLAM ER) missile. The launch occurred on the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) Sea Test Range off the coast of Pt. Mugu, California. The missile impacted within 10 feet of the mission planned target, a simulated SA-10 Radar Van. Data Link video from the SLAM was received and recorded by the backup control F/A-18 aircraft for Battle Damage Indication, piloted by Lcdr. John Monkell, also from VFA-151.
This launch was the culmination of a rigorous training evolution for the aircrews provided by the SLAM Fleet Interface Integrated Program Team led by Lcdr. Rich Burr and made up of Weapons Systems Evaluation Division personnel from NAWCWD Point Mugu. Aircrews gained expanded expertise in hands-on tactics and scenario development on the Tactical Automated Mission Planning System (TAMPS), as well as captive carry flights against both the Sea Test Range and the Land Test Range simulated tactical targets. The Naval Weapons Test Squadron China Lake and Point Mugu provided and supported the F/A-18 aircraft which was used to provide real-time feedback during training evolutions and as mission commander and safety observer during the missile firing exercise.
For more information call PEO (CU) Public Affairs at (301) 757-6316 or (301) 757-5289. For information on other PEO (CU) cruise missile and unmanned aerial vehicle initiatives tune in to the PEO (CU) web site at www.peocu.js.mil.