This article first appeared at Aerospace Daily & Defense Report.
A small air-to-surface missile developed as a private venture by Raytheon is being deployed on the Predator unmanned aircraft by an unidentified customer.
The Griffin is a 42-inch-long, tube-launched missile with a semi-active laser seeker, and is intended to give the Predator and smaller UAVs an organic, self-guided direct attack capability, Raytheon says.
The short-range missile including its launcher weigh around 45 pounds, and the Predator will be able to carry up to three rounds for each Hellfire missile now carried. Although longer than Hellfire, the Griffin has a narrower diameter at 5.5 inches and a smaller warhead, reducing collateral damage.
Raytheon says the low-cost weapon is modular, using technology from several of the companys existing weapons including Javelin, AIM-9X and guided projectiles. Other seekers and warheads could be installed, the company says.
Read the rest of this story, a screed on the Reaper’s rewards, an entry on FCS’s Hill fandango and see some killer photos of the Royal Navy from our Aviation Week friends at Military.com.
– Christian
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Saw a thing on this awhile back this is awsome.
think about hummingbird uav now oh yea idy bidy cheap apache
Griffin, the one to have when you’re killing more than one.
Sounds like they’re bringing back the Zuni… just shorter… and smarter (maybe). “Javelin, AIM-9X”… So, is this a dual purpose Air-to-Air & Air-to-Ground munition? Speaking of which, has a UAV scored an Air-to-Air kill in testing yet?
Maybe the Georgians should buy a few…
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BypnhFI7HGY
thats cool
If the hellfire can defeat the Abrams that has a very advanced ammor, I believe this smaller missile could be enough against a T-72 and such.
Talk about your combination Skynet/Cylon Raider in action.The future is here & now!!!
Reminds me of the APKWS, may or may not be related but hey definitely a good idea to apply to the current battlefield.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Precision_Kill_Weapon_System
roy if your not kidding………oh god sad part is daily kos crackheads accualy think that was…though its supposed to be evil republicans or christians to them
Besides,”Cylon Raider” is kind of catchy isn’t it? I just wish we’d hurry up & get the “Toasters” out there for clearing buildings in MOUT operations or clearing tunnels.
launcher empty weighs 45 lbs with 2 missiles it weighs 113 lbs
James,
Oops,my mistake,Strategypage.com actually said “Cylon Menace.”
James,
What about Republicans and Christians were you commenting?