The Tomahawk is launched on a preset course above the water and, as it crosses over land, switches to an inertial and Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) system to guide the missile to its target with terminal guidance from the Digital Scene Matching Area Correlation (DSMAC) sytem, producing an accuracy measured in feet. The Block III TLAMs, entered service in 1993, have an extended range and incorporate a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for improved reliability and time-of-arrival control to permit coordinated strikes between other missiles and aircraft. Block IV TLAMs have an upgraded DSMAC system; new Time of Arrival (TOA) control, and improved turbo engines.
In the 1991 Persian Gulf conflict 288 Tomahawks were launched at tactical targets. Twelve of the Tomahawks were launched by two attack submarines.
The Tomahawk Weapon System (TWS) is comprised of four major components: Tomahawk Missile, Theater Mission Planning Center (TMPC)/Afloat? Planning System (APS), Tomahawk Weapon Control System (TWCS) for surface ships, and Combat Control System (CCS) for submarines.
Length: 5.56 meters; with booster: 6.25 meters.
Diameter: 51.81 cm.
Wing Span: 2.67 meters.
Weight: 1192.5 kg; 1440 kg with booster
Power Plant: Williams International F107-WR-402 turbo-fan and a solid-fuel booster.
Range: 1100 km.
Speed: about 880 km/hr
Warheads: Conventional: 1,000 pounds Bullpup, or Conventional submunitions dispenser with combined effect bomblets, or 200 kt. W-80 nuclear device.
Date Deployed: 1983
Costs: $1,400,000 - average unit cost ; $11,210,000,000 - total program cost.