The Tomahawk (BGM-109) is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile designed by the United States for precision strikes against high-value strategic targets. Developed during the Cold War, it provides naval forces with deep-strike capability against land-based targets from beyond the reach of enemy defenses. Manufactured by Raytheon Technologies, the missile entered service in 1983 and has been continuously upgraded, with the latest Block V variant adding enhanced range, survivability, and maritime strike capability.
Description and Development
Originating in the 1970s, the Tomahawk was designed to operate from surface ships and submarines, offering a reliable solution for striking heavily defended targets. Its design was inspired by the AGM-86 Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) and adapted for naval launch. Over decades of service, the Tomahawk has seen extensive combat use, including:
- Gulf War
- Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Strikes in Syria and anti-terror operations
Its low-altitude flight, terrain-following capability, and advanced navigation systems allow it to evade sophisticated air defenses, providing high precision and minimal collateral damage.
Variants
| Variant | Warhead | Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BGM-109A (TLAM-N) | Nuclear W80 | Strategic deterrence | Retired in 2010 |
| BGM-109C (TLAM-C) | 450 kg HE | Precision strikes | Hard targets, Gulf War usage |
| BGM-109D (TLAM-D) | Submunitions | Area suppression | Bomblet payloads for dispersed targets |
| BGM-109E (TLAM-E, Block III) | 450 kg HE | GPS/INS guidance, in-flight retargeting | Enhanced battlefield flexibility |
| BGM-109 Block IV (Tactical Tomahawk) | 450 kg HE | Extended range (~1,600 km), two-way data link | Real-time retargeting and damage assessment |
| BGM-109 Block V (Advanced Tomahawk) | 450 kg HE | Extended range (~1,800+ km), maritime strike capability | Multi-mission, improved survivability |
Design
- Length: 5.56 m (w/o booster), 6.25 m (w/ booster)
- Diameter: 0.52 m
- Wingspan: 2.67 m
- Launch weight: ~1,300 kg
- Construction: Lightweight composites for strength and stealth
- Flight profile: Low-altitude, terrain-following, subsonic
The missile’s folding wings and tail fins allow efficient storage in Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) or submarine torpedo tubes.
Warhead
The Tomahawk is modular, allowing mission-specific configurations:
- Unitary high-explosive (HE): For hardened or strategic targets, bunkers, command centers.
- Submunition payload: Area suppression against troops, vehicles, or air defenses.
- Specialized penetrator warheads: For deeply buried or fortified targets.
Propulsion
- Two-stage system:
- Solid-fuel booster for launch
- Williams F107-WR-402 turbofan engine for sustained subsonic flight (~880 km/h, Mach 0.75)
- Range: ~1,600 km (Block IV), ~1,800+ km (Block V)
Guidance Systems
- Inertial Navigation System (INS) + GPS: Mid-course guidance
- TERCOM (Terrain Contour Matching): Avoids radar detection, follows terrain
- DSMAC (Digital Scene Matching Area Correlation): Terminal phase target verification
- Two-way data link: In-flight retargeting and mission updates (Block IV & V)
Launch Platforms
- Surface ships: Vertical Launch Systems (VLS)
- Submarines: Torpedo tubes
Combat Use
The Tomahawk has been used extensively in combat operations for:
- Disabling enemy air defenses and command infrastructure
- Striking hardened facilities with precision
- Anti-terrorism and chemical weapons strikes
Its combination of long-range strike, precision guidance, and adaptability makes it a critical asset in modern naval and joint operations.
Specifications
| Parameter | BGM-109 TLAM |
|---|---|
| Type | Long-range subsonic cruise missile |
| Operators | U.S., U.K., Australia |
| Designer | United States (Raytheon Technologies) |
| Warhead | HE, submunitions, penetrator; nuclear (retired) |
| Engine | Williams F107-WR-402 turbofan + solid-fuel booster |
| Speed | Subsonic, ~880 km/h (Mach 0.75) |
| Range | ~1,600 km (Block IV); ~1,800+ km (Block V) |
| Guidance | GPS, INS, TERCOM, DSMAC, two-way data link |
| Launch Weight | ~1,300 kg |
| Launchers | VLS (surface), torpedo tubes (submarine) |
| Dimensions | Length 5.56–6.25 m, Diameter 0.52 m, Wingspan 2.67 m |
The Tomahawk BGM-109 remains a key element of U.S. power projection, offering precise, long-range strike capabilities from both sea and undersea platforms.
