The Mid-Range Capability (MRC) Typhon is a mobile, ground-launched missile system developed to provide the U.S. Army with enhanced long-range strike capabilities. The system is designed to bridge the gap between shorter-range missile systems and long-range strike assets, allowing for precision targeting in heavily defended, contested environments. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the Typhon Weapon System leverages a modular design that allows it to fire various missile types, including SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles.
Country users: United States
Technical Data
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Launcher Unit
The Typhon missile launcher is mounted on a trailer and towed by the M983A4 military tactical truck, a variant of the Oshkosh Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT). The launcher itself consists of four missile cells, each capable of carrying one missile, whether a SM-6 or a Tomahawk missile. The launcher is housed on a trailer designed for horizontal transport during movement, with the ability to deploy vertically when needed for missile launch. The launcher’s design is modular, built to accommodate different types of missiles, ensuring future flexibility as the system may integrate new or advanced missile types over time.
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Missiles
The Typhon system is initially equipped with SM-6, but it will also be able to fire Tomahawk missiles in the future, which provide a versatile strike capability.
The SM-6 is a surface-to-air missile with additional capabilities for surface strike missions. It is currently available in the Block IA variant, which has a range of approximately 150-200 miles (240-320 km), with Block IB versions currently in development. The Block IB is expected to feature improved capabilities, including hypersonic speeds and more advanced targeting features. While primarily designed for air defense, the SM-6 can also be used against surface targets, making it a flexible weapon in the Typhon system’s arsenal.
The Tomahawk missile is a well-known land-attack cruise missile that has been adapted for use in the Typhon system. It is capable of striking targets up to 500 to 1,500 kilometers (310 to 930 miles) away, depending on the variant. While the Tomahawk is traditionally a land-attack missile, current versions also feature anti-ship capabilities, allowing the Typhon system to engage targets at sea. The Tomahawk’s guidance system, which includes GPS and terrestrial navigation, ensures precision strikes, even in highly contested environments.
The Typhon’s modular design allows for future missile types to be integrated into the launcher, including potentially hypersonic missiles and advanced anti-ship versions of the Tomahawk, extending the system's operational flexibility.
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Mobility
The Typhon system is designed for both road and off-road mobility, utilizing the M983A4 truck, part of the Oshkosh HEMTT family. The M983A4 is a heavy-duty vehicle capable of towing the launcher and associated components across a variety of terrains, including rugged, off-road environments. This provides the Typhon system with excellent maneuverability, whether in combat zones, on the move, or when repositioning during operations. The M983A4 truck provides a top speed of 80-96 km/h on paved roads and delivers exceptional cross-country mobility due to its 8x8 configuration. With a fuel range of approximately 480 km, the system is capable of sustained operations in remote locations, allowing it to be deployed quickly over long distances.
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Command and Control Systems
The Typhon system integrates a sophisticated command and control network to ensure coordination between its various components and link it to broader defense networks. Each MRC battery includes several key elements:
Battery Operations Center (BOC): The BOC is housed in a trailer-mounted shelter that is also towed by an M983A4 truck. The BOC serves as the command hub for the battery, linking it into critical fire control networks, including the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) and the Joint Automated Deep Operations Coordination System (JDOCS). It is likely that future versions of the system will integrate with the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), which currently focuses on air defense but is set to broaden its scope to other systems.
Reload Trailer: A specialized reload trailer is capable of carrying at least four canisterized missiles, ensuring that the Typhon can continue to operate for extended periods without the need for resupply from external sources.
Battery Support Vehicle (BSV): A Humvee-based vehicle provides logistical and maintenance support to ensure the battery's operational readiness during deployment.
These systems ensure that the Typhon remains an integral part of larger combat networks, providing commanders with the real-time data and flexibility needed to execute precision strikes against enemy targets.
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Combat use
The primary mission of the Typhon system is to conduct precision strike operations against high-value targets, including air defense systems, missile launchers, command centers, and other critical infrastructure. With a range of up to 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) using the Tomahawk missile and up to 200 miles (320 km) with the SM-6, the system provides unmatched flexibility for deep-strike missions.
The Typhon system’s missiles are capable of engaging targets in both land and maritime domains, making it versatile and highly effective in a variety of mission scenarios. The SM-6 missile allows the Typhon to conduct anti-air and surface strike operations, while the Tomahawk can be used for long-range land-attack and anti-ship missions. The system’s ability to engage a wide variety of targets over medium distances makes it an ideal weapon for breaking through enemy A2/AD zones, where conventional missile systems may struggle.
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