Raytheon's Joint Standoff Weapon C-1 achieved a major milestone when it completed its first captive-flight test on an F/A-18E/F fighter aircraft.

JSOW is a family of low-cost, air-to-ground weapons that employs an integrated GPS- inertial navigation system and terminal imaging infrared seeker that guide the weapon to the target. JSOW C-1 adds moving maritime target capability and the two-way Rockwell Collins Strike Common Weapon Datalink to the combat-proven weapon.

"This test demonstrates the ability of the Strike Common Weapon Datalink to operate in a challenging flight environment," said Phyllis McEnroe, Raytheon's JSOW program director. "Working closely with our U.S. Navy teammates, we intend to add additional functionality to the weapon, culminating in a free-flight test later this year."

The test demonstrated the JSOW's ability to enter the Link-16 network and transmit networked-enabled weapon messages.

"This test is a crucial step forward in giving the warfighter the world's first Link-16 networked standoff weapon capable of engaging moving maritime targets," said Cmdr. Douglas Phelan, JSOW Integrated Product Team leader.