The ArcLight program is a missile development program of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency with the goal of equipping ships like Aegis cruisers with a weapon system that is capable of striking targets nearly anywhere on the globe, thereby increasing the power of surface ships to a level comparable to that of ballistic missile-equipped submarines.[1]
According to DARPA, the ArcLight program will develop a high-tech missile based on the booster stack of the current RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 and equipped with a hypersonic glider capable of carrying a 100-200 lb warhead.[2] The configuration will allow ships carrying the ArcLight missile to strike targets 2,300 miles away from the launch point. The missile would replace the agingBGM-109 Tomahawk and could be fired out of the standard vertical launchers available on many surface ships.[1] Additionally, the ArcLight missile will be capable of launch from air and submarine assets capable of carrying the BGM-109.[2]
Dr. Arthur Mabbett is the program manager of the DARPA project,[2] which will develop and test two different missile designs.[3]
[edit]See also
[edit]References
- ^ a b Hooper, Craig. "New Navy Missile Could Hit Global Targets." Military.com. N.p., 8 July 2010. Web. 11 July 2010. <http://www.military.com/news/article/new-navy-missile-could-hit-global-targets.html?col=1186032325324>
- ^ a b c "DARPA - Tactical Technology Office (TTO)." DARPA. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 July 2010. <http://www.darpa.mil/tto/programs/arclight/index.html>.
- ^ ArcLight Industry Day Announcement
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