Tomahawks Stop the Attacking Regiments

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Tomahawks Stop the Attacking Regiments

E. R. Anderson / W. E. Bowen / J. W. Fischer / C. R. Hall / T. E. Klocek

Tomahawk Stops the Attacking Regiments (TSTAR) is the latest upgrade to the Tomahawk Weapon System (TWS). It expands the existing mission capabilities of the conventional Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) submunition dispensing variants to include real-time engagements with mobile armored forces, either en route to the battlefield or stationary in assembly areas. TSTAR will combine real-time targeting, re-targeting, and smart submunition performance with the long-range, precision attack capability already planned for Block IV Tomahawk. Thus, TSTAR is a system of systems weapon that consists of a surveillance system, a mission control agency, a communications link for re-targeting, and the cruise missiles delivery vehicle. This integrated system of systems functions to detect and localize enemy forces, execute timely launch of coordinated flights of missiles, and to refine submunition dispense locations and attack patterns during missile fly-out. The tactical information and connectivity provided by various sensors and data links support immediate actions that respond effectively to enemy unit maneuvers. The result is a highly capable weapon system for engaging moving targets behind enemy lines without risking loss of pilots and their aircraft.