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Source- This post on the Typhon Weapons System has been created based on the article “US To Withdraw “Banned” Typhon Missile System From Philippines That Gave Sleepless Nights To China” published in “Eurasiantimes” on 6 July 2024.
Why in the news?
The Philippine Army has announced that the “deadly” Typhon Weapons System, used by the United States in joint military exercises, will soon be withdrawn from the country.
About Typhon Weapons System
| Aspects | Description |
| About | Typhon is an integrated weapons system which is also known as the strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF) System. |
| Developed by | United States Navy |
| Capabilities | i) It can fire the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6), used for ballistic missile defense and targeting ships at sea with a range of 370 kilometers (230 miles). ii) It can also fire the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile which is a versatile cruise missile. |
| Components | i) A full Typhon system includes four launchers, a command post, and support vehicles, all mounted on trailers. ii) Targeting information is supplied by external sources. iii) Launcher Design is derived from the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) used on U.S. Navy ships. iv) It is capable of firing various types of containerized missiles, with potential for future integration of more types. |
About the Tomahawk Missile
| Aspects | Description |
| About | It is a long-range cruise missile used for deep-land attack warfare. |
| Origin | Made in the USA |
| Launch Platforms | It can be launched from ships or submarines. |
| Purpose | It is designed to strike fixed targets like communication centers and air-defense sites in high-risk areas where aircraft might be vulnerable to enemy missiles. |
| Features | i) Speed and Altitude: It flies at subsonic speed and low altitudes, making it hard to detect on radar. ii) Guidance Systems: It uses advanced navigation systems to maneuver at low elevations. iii) Size and Range: Its length is 6 meters (18.4 feet) and ranges up to 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles). iv) Propulsion: Initial launch phase powered by a solid propellant. The main flight is powered by a turbofan engine that emits minimal heat, making infrared detection difficult. v) Navigation: It uses satellite-assisted navigation and TERCOM (Terrain Contour Matching) radar to accurately reach its target. vi) Maneuverability: It can twist and turn like a radar-evading fighter jet, flying as low as 30–90 meters (100–300 feet) above the ground. vii)Payload: It can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads. |
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
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