Cruise Missiles: Proven Capability Should Affect Aircraft and Force StructureRequirements

摘要

Operation Desert Storm marked the first time that U.S. forces employed the Navy'sTomahawk missile and the Air Force's Conventional Air Launched Cruise Missile (CALCM) in combat. GAO initiated this review to determine the missiles' performance during Desert Storm, including any limitations. GAO also addressed the advantages of these missiles over tactical aircraft and the missiles' potential impact on the requirements for future tactical weapon systems and forward presence. The Tomahawk is a highly accurate subsonic missile powered by a jet engine and is launched from Navy surface ships and submarines. It flies more than 500 miles, navigating along a pre-programmed route that follows specific terrain features to the target. Tomahawk land attack missiles can carry a 1,000-pound class high-explosive or a submunitions warhead. The CALCM is also powered by a jet engine but is launched from B-52 bombers. It flies a pre-programmed route using signals from the Global Positioning Satellite system and carries a conventional blast warhead. The CALCM's accuracy is roughly half that of the Tomahawk.