The US Navy has launched a Boeing Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) with a live warhead at a decommissioned cruiser to validate missile guidance and warhead effectiveness against a warship. The SLAM-ER live-fire mission - conducted from a Boeing F/A-18 Hornet- will also help naval warship designers increase survivability against anti-ship missile attacks. The SLAM-ER hit the forward portion of the cruiser.
The SLAM-ER uses a 226kg (500lb) derivative of the Tomahawk Block III warhead. The titanium case WDU-40/B warhead increases penetration and becomes reactive during detonation, increasing blast and incendiary effects.
Source: Flight International
