Aero India 2017: Textron reports G-Claw testing
Textron Systems Weapon and Sensor Systems' G-Claw precision guided glide weapon has undergone successful testing at Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona, the company announced on 14 February.
The testing was carried out against static and moving targets from a Cessna Caravan aircraft, with engagement reported as within one metre circular error probable. The weapon transferred navigation from a GPS-aided inertial navigation system to the semi-active laser sensor for terminal guidance, with Textron reporting that the results verified end-to-end guidance through successful engagement of an off-axis target greater than two kilometers downrange from the aircraft.
G-Claw incorporates tri-mode fuzing - height of burst, impact and delay - to maximise effects against a broad target set. The weapon has been designed with modularity to support rapid incorporation of emerging technologies in guidance, seekers and warhead effects, and to allow it to be adapted to changing mission requirements at minimum development cost.
In addition to the Caravan, the weapon can be integrated onto aircraft including the Textron AirLand Scorpion jet, and launch systems such as the Common Launch Tube, using a roll-on/roll-off battle management system.
Brian Sinkiewicz, senior vice president and general manager, Weapon and Sensor Systems, said: 'We are pleased with the test results and development progress of the G-Claw precision guided weapon system.'
More from Defence Notes
-
![Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent]()
Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
-
![UK begins process on new industrial strategy]()
UK begins process on new industrial strategy
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
-
![Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west]()
Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west
Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
