Raytheon built its 2,000th Griffin precision low-collateral missile carried by Air Force AC-130W and Marine Corps KC-130J Harvest Hawk gunships, according to a Feb. 5 company release. “The Griffin missile has proven to be an effective way of doing business for special operations forces,” said 1st Lt. Ben Marshall, US Special Operations Command Det. 1 precision-guided weapon program manager. Since Griffin production began in 2008, “the capability has steadily improved, where effectiveness and reliability rule the day,” he said. The Griffin Block III variant, currently in production, boasts a new seeker head with better accuracy, as well as a “multi-effect” warhead that improves lethality, according to Raytheon. The improved version of this 33-pound, aft-firing missile is expected to equip special operations units in the coming months.
Skunk Works Uncrewed NGAS Concept Gets New Attention
Nov. 9, 2024
An artist’s rendering of a Lockheed Martin Skunk Works concept for a potential stealthy and autonomous Next-Generation Air-refueling System (NGAS) aircraft is getting new attention after a repeat display at the recent Airlift/Tanker Association meeting.