Tomahawk question

[mike_espo]

Playing Dave's wonderful scenario: Send in the Marines from Naval Review 2003. Planning to do a surgical strike with Tomahawk LACM. Looking at the annexes at the Tomahawk cruise missiles:

 

My question is: What is TERCOM? I know the tomahawk uses terrain mapping for guidance, but thats it. How is this played in H4?

 

Also, the warhead strength: what does it mean 4x14 for damage? It says 4 attacks. Does this mean 4 attacks at 14 dp strength? or 1 attack at 56 points rolled 4 times? I am guessing that this only involves attacking land targets rolling on the critical hit table.

 

thanks.

[CV32]

Playing Dave's wonderful scenario: Send in the Marines from Naval Review 2003. Planning to do a surgical strike with Tomahawk LACM. Looking at the annexes at the Tomahawk cruise missiles: My question is: What is TERCOM? I know the tomahawk uses terrain mapping for guidance, but thats it. How is this played in H4?

 

TERCOM means "terrain contour matching". It guides the missile to the target using the known locations of both the launcher and the target, and then comparing the terrain profile (i.e. altitude) encountered along the preprogrammed flight path to that stored in its memory, and adjusting the flight path accordingly. In other words, TERCOM guides the missile by 'knowing' the nature of the terrain along the flight path and by matching the missile's altitude to that terrain.

 

Also, the warhead strength: what does it mean 4x14 for damage? It says 4 attacks. Does this mean 4 attacks at 14 dp strength? or 1 attack at 56 points rolled 4 times? I am guessing that this only involves attacking land targets rolling on the critical hit table. thanks.

 

I take it you are referring to TLAM-D (either Blocks IIB or IIIB). Its warhead carries 166x BLU-97/B CEM (Combined Effects Munition) bomblets in 24 packs. It can carry out three separate attacks, and then dive attack the fourth. So, yes, four attacks at 14 DP strength. (Its a total of 51 DP in the latest version of the annex).

[Silent Hunter UK]

TERCOM means "terrain contour matching". It guides the missile to the target using the known locations of both the launcher and the target, and then comparing the terrain profile (i.e. altitude) encountered along the preprogrammed flight path to that stored in its memory, and adjusting the flight path accordingly. In other words, TERCOM guides the missile by 'knowing' the nature of the terrain along the flight path and by matching the missile's altitude to that terrain.

 

It's not just used by the Tomahawk- the SCALP/Storm Shadow/Black Shaheen family uses it too.

[CV32]

It's not just used by the Tomahawk- the SCALP/Storm Shadow/Black Shaheen family uses it too.

 

They actually use TERPROM (terrain profile matching), which is very similar but not quite the same.

[mike_espo]

Thanks. But how do you maneuver the missile in the game with TERCOM guidance?

[Silent Hunter UK]

I think you just give it waypoints before launch and let it go about its merry business.

[CV32]

I think you just give it waypoints before launch and let it go about its merry business.

 

Yeah, in practical terms it is pretty much the same as 'inertial' guidance.

[Silent Hunter UK]

I think you just give it waypoints before launch and let it go about its merry business.

 

Yeah, in practical terms it is pretty much the same as 'inertial' guidance.

 

Only more accurate.

[CV32]

Only more accurate.

 

Yes, of course, especially now that GPS is added to TERCOM (Block III Tomahawks and later).

 

(I should add that Block II onward also have DSMAC (digital scene matching area correlation), so even more accuracy).

[Silent Hunter UK]

Only more accurate.

 

Yes, of course, especially now that GPS is added to TERCOM (Block III Tomahawks and later).

 

(I should add that Block II onward also have DSMAC (digital scene matching area correlation), so even more accuracy).

 

I was just thinking that you could fool DSMAC by having a hill that could go up and down...

[CV32]

I was just thinking that you could fool DSMAC by having a hill that could go up and down...

 

Yes, I suppose that's possible in theory, particularly where the mapping of the target area is outdated or hasn't picked up on the "terrain countermeasures"

 

Tactom has added another layer of accuracy (or inaccuracy, depending on the skill of the operator) by installing a real time datalink.

[pmaidhof]

Playing Dave's wonderful scenario: Send in the Marines from Naval Review 2003.

 

Anticipating a after-action report forthcoming.

[mike_espo]

Playing Dave's wonderful scenario: Send in the Marines from Naval Review 2003.

 

Anticipating a after-action report forthcoming.

Intend to soften up the Iranian positons with the tomahawks from the SSN, then use the BUFFs from Diego Garcia to destroy the Fighter base and ships on the mainland, then Tarawa's air group should be able to mop up. Hopefully there will be something for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit to do.