Press release from Raytheon.
TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Bell Helicopter completed two successful launches of the Griffin B missile from a Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey multi-mission aircraft at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. As an industry funded effort with Bell's Xworx, Raytheon demonstrated the simplicity of integrating the Griffin B missile onto the V-22 platform.Interesting. But I have to ask. The Griffin is "lightly" used by US forces. I wonder why they didn't move to the Hellfire first? Is their a weight limit that is placed on the pylon?
"This is the first time a forward-firing missile has been launched from the V-22," said Mike Jarrett, vice president of Raytheon's Air Warfare Systems. "It's an important aspect of the V-22's capability that integrates a simple to operate, low-cost, precision strike missile – something in which the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command has shown significant interest."
Bell flight test crews launched two Griffin B missiles, scoring direct hits from both hover mode and during conversion mode at 110 knots. The results highlight the Griffin B's versatility with its unique ability to engage static and moving targets through a significant range of launch speeds. The Griffin B missile has a significant off-axis launch capability, allowing aircrews to precisely strike targets to the left or right of the aircraft flight path.
"The results of this test show how the defense industry can partner to quickly put a new, needed capability in the hands of frontline operators," said Jarrett. "Griffin B's successful shots from the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey demonstrate that the missile is flexible and able to integrate on a variety of platforms."
Additionally I wonder why they aren't trying to place some type of podded gun in that position? That would seem a no-brainer.
Well, Griffin is a 45lb missile while Hellfire comes in at 108 lbs. So two Griffins weigh less than one Hellfire. Taking that into account, plus the fact they're putting weapons on an aircraft not initially designed to carry external weapons, I'm guessing weight is indeed the primary reason they didn't go with Hellfire here.
ReplyDeleteI'm also guessing the Griffin is a more accurate missile than the Hellfire, it being newer and having dual-mode guidance (GPS+laser) vs the Hellfire's single mode (laser-only).
Part of the testing is to prove the mount location and its ability to support various rocket tubes and missiles. It's not like these mounts are helicopter-like stub wings that are designed from inception to incorporate various weapons.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they should have thought about that, they thought about that before they ordered UH-60s. Its too late once the system is built to decide that you actually require all these extra capabilities.
DeleteHave you ever seen the ammo stowage for an AH-64? Quite a bit of space (and weight) for that little itty bitty gun
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