Raytheon's Joint Standoff Weapon C-1 completed a major milestone when the weapon's Strike Common Weapon Datalink (SCWDL) communicated via Link-16 nodes with a Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System aircraft. The test demonstrated the weapon's ability to function as a node on the network and moved the system one step closer to engaging moving maritime targets.

JSOW is a family of low-cost, air-to-ground weapons that employs an integrated GPS-inertial navigation system and terminal infrared seeker, which guides the JSOW to the target. JSOW C-1 features the two-way Rockwell Collins SCWDL, which gives the combat-proven weapon a moving maritime target capability.

"The SCWDL has already demonstrated the capability to communicate with an F/A-18 fighter aircraft and the Littoral Surveillance Radar System surveillance aircraft," said Phyllis McEnroe, Raytheon's JSOW program director. "Equipped with the SCWDL, the JSOW C-1 will provide unprecedented connectivity and interoperability between sensor platforms, shooting platforms and weapons."

The test was part of the U.S. Navy's Joint Surface Warfare Joint Capability Technology Demonstration. During the demonstration, the JSOW C-1's SCWDL received and replied to in-flight target updates from the JSTARS' Joint Tactical Information Distribution System.

"The successful outcome of the JSTARS demonstration marks another important milestone achieved by the men and women who dedicate themselves to this JSOW program," said Robert Cornelius, Precision Strike Weapons program lead for the Joint Surface Warfare, Joint Capability Technology Demonstration team.

"By confirming initial JSOW interoperability with both Joint Surface Warfare Joint Capability Technology Demonstration targeting aircraft, we advance toward providing the warfighter with a capability imperative to the mission today and tomorrow."