ARLINGTON, Va. - Raytheon Missile Systems is working on an upgraded version of its Griffin lightweight strike missile. The company is funding this program internally.
The AGM-176A Griffin A was the first version of this missile. The A model was deployed on U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules close-air support aircraft flying in Afghanistan.
This new version is called Sea Griffin. This missile is a version of the BGM-176B Griffin B. The B model reached initial operational capability in February. The missile arms four U.S. Navy cyclone-class patrol craft operating in the Persian Gulf.
The BGM-176B is encased in a tube and fired from two Mk 60 launchers. The missile has a range of 4.5 kilometers.
The Sea Griffin will be equipped with an extended-range rocket motor. This version is 20 pounds heavier and offers triple the range. This model is outfitted with an infrared seeker and a digital data link capability. The B model retains the semi-active laser seeker.
The Griffin is under consideration by the U.S. Navy to arm its Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). No decision has been announced formally by the U.S. Navy.
Earlier in 2014, Raytheon reached a milestone of 2,000 Griffins built at its facility in Tucson, Arizona.
You have 0 item(s) in your cart