How Accurate Is a Tomahawk Cruise Missile?

By Anna Duncan

The Tomahawk Cruise Missile has been a mainstay of the U.S. military for decades, used in numerous conflicts and operations around the world. But just how accurate is this weapon? It’s a question that many people have asked, and one that we’ll explore in this article.

What is a Tomahawk Cruise Missile?

Before we dive into the accuracy of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile, let’s first define what it is. The Tomahawk is a long-range, all-weather missile that can be launched from ships or submarines.

It’s designed to hit Targets on land with precision and can travel up to 1,550 miles. The missile is guided by an onboard computer system and can fly at low altitudes to avoid detection.

How Accurate is the Tomahawk?

When it comes to accuracy, the Tomahawk has a proven track record. According to the U. Navy, the missile has a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters. This means that if a Tomahawk were fired at a Target 1,000 miles away, it would hit within 10 meters of its intended Target.

To put this into perspective, imagine hitting a Target the size of a basketball from over three football fields away – that’s how accurate the Tomahawk can be.

Factors That Affect Accuracy

While the Tomahawk has an impressive level of accuracy, there are several factors that can affect its performance. These include:

  • Weather conditions – high winds or storms can affect the flight path of the missile
  • Target location – hitting a moving Target or one that’s hidden underground can be more difficult
  • Human error – mistakes made during launch or programming can impact accuracy

Improvements in Accuracy

Over the years, there have been several improvements made to the Tomahawk Cruise Missile to make it even more accurate. For example, newer versions of the missile use GPS and inertial guidance systems for more precise Targeting. Additionally, the missile’s software has been updated to better account for weather conditions and other variables that can affect accuracy.

Conclusion

Overall, the Tomahawk Cruise Missile is an incredibly accurate weapon that has been used successfully in numerous operations. While there are factors that can affect its performance, advancements in technology have continued to improve its precision over time. When it comes to hitting Targets from long range with accuracy, few weapons can match the capabilities of the Tomahawk.