Penguin is a helicopter-launched (25k) anti-ship missile for use by LAMPS Mk III helicopters and by helicopters of NATO allies. Navy testing of Penguin has been completed, and it achieved IOC in the fourth quarter of FY 1993. All Block I modified SH-60Bs will be capable of employing Penguin, and eventually all SH-60Bs. The Navy will acquire approximately 100 Mod 3 versions.
The successful first fleet firing of an AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missile by the HSL-51/USS HEWITT (DD-966) team on June 25, 1994, completed the transition of the SH-60B "Seahawk" from an anti-ship surveillance and targeting (ASST) platform to an anti-surface (ASUW) weapon system. The initial operating capability (IOC) was completed at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Barking Sands, Hawaii during RIMPAC 94 with the INDEPENDENCE Battle Group. The direct hit by the telemetry round against the YOG-79 target hulk makes nine successful Penguin launches by the Navy. The first eight were completed in 1990 during Techeval/Opeval by Rotary Wing Test Directorate and VX-1. The Penguin is a uniquely capable weapon against small combatants and surfaced submarines in the littoral environment. The IR seeker head is effective against a wide range of targets and its profile is hard to defend against. It is a short-to-medium range inertially guided missile and is capable of gravity drop launches at low speeds and altitudes. A fire-and-forget missile, the Penguin has a 360 degree arc, autonomous search, acquisition and track during terminal phase, discriminates between target decoys and is resistant to IR countermeasures. Further, the embedded crew training provided by the SH-60B for missile launch, and completely maintenance-free requirements of the missile during deployment make it an ideal choice for LAMPS capable ships. The Penguin missile was fired from an SH-60B Block I aircraft. The Block I is the current production model SH-60B and is the configuration to which all older SH-60B aircraft are being upgraded. This upgrade, which commenced this year, will conclude with the introduction of the SH-60R (Block II). In addition to the Penguin missile, the SH-60B Block I helicopter has integrated GPS navigation, 99 channel sonobuoy capability, enhanced self protection (ESP) and can carry both Mk-46 and Mk-50 torpedoes. USS HEWITT (DD-966), commanded by CDR. J.C. Meyer, is homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, and is one of the first U.S. Navy ships to have its magazine modified for universal stowage. This modification allows the ship to carry the Penguin missile, significantly increasing the ASUW capability of surface combatants. Ultimately, the Penguin will be distributed to FFG-7, CG-47, DDG-963 and DDG-51 class ships as they complete the magazine modification.
PENGUIN DEVELOPMENT
The Penguin anti-ship missile (24k) was conceived in the early 1960's as a ship-borne, anti-invasion defence system. Penguin was the first fire-and-forget anti-ship missile system to be developed in the Western world. Penguin MKI became operational with the Norwegian and Turkish navies in 1972. The MK2 entered service in 1980 with the Norwegian, Hellenic and Swedish navies. Since then, continuous development programs have adapted the concept to the technical evolution of surface warfare. The air-launched penguin MK3 version (AGM-119A) is chosen as the standard anti-ship missile for the F-16 Fighting Falcons of the Royal Norwegian Air Force. and has completed a highly successful Foreign Weapon Evaluation Program conducted by the US Air Force. The Penguin MK2 MOD7 (AGM-119B) with folding wings is adapted to the US Navy LAMPS Mk III, SH-60B helicopters. The Penguin missiles are designed and manufactured by Norsk Forsvarsteknologi (NFT). Click here to view an AVI of the Penguin missile being launched from an SH-60B
MISSILE DESCRIPTION
Penguin is a fully digitized missile with canard control. The high resolution, passive infrared seeker provides a high degree of discrimination and target selection, and ensures efficient operation in confined, as well as open waters. The high accuracy, inertial navigation system ensures the missile's capability of target detection, and provides the flexibility of mid-course trajectory via pilot-designated way-point. An efficient 120 kg warhead, with an impact point close to the target's waterline, will inflict serious damage to medium size surface combatants or other targets. The missile is powered by a solid propellant two stage rocket motor. The Penguin can be adapted to helicopters, fixed wing patrol aircraft as well as fighter aircraft. The missile system is software integrated into the aircraft avionic system. with the use of existing equipment for suspension, control and operation.
LENGTH: 120.48 inches DIAMETER: 11.2 inches WING SPAN: 39 inches WEIGHT: 847 pounds SPEED: 1.2 Mach maximum RANGE: 25 nautical miles POWER PLANT: Boost sustain solid propellant rocket motor SEEKER: IR, derivative of the AGM-119A seeker WARHEAD: 265 pound, semi armor-piercing derivative of the Bullpup missile. CONTRACTORS: Royal Norwegian Navy Material Command has overall responsibility. Components are being produced by firms and government agencies from Norway, France, England, Scotland, Sweden, and the United States.