The United States wants to make the new Typhon missile system smaller

17 October, 2024 The Mk.70 Typhon launcher. Photo: US Army The United States Army wants to make the new Typhon missile system smaller and more mobile.

The American publication The War Zone stated that a mobile ground launcher is needed primarily in the Pacific region. To achieve this, the United States must rethink its approach to developing military equipment. The Typhon missile system is an American ground-based missile launcher that launches Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 missiles from large tractor-trailers.

It was sent to the Philippines for testing for the first time this year.

The Typhon missile system delivered to the Philippines by a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, April 7, 2024. Photo: US Army

The Typhon system consists of 5 vehicles, 4 of which are equipped with launchers. "We have tested the system and are now studying how to improve the next developments," The War Zone publication quoted Colonel Michael Rose as saying.

According to Rose, the main issues are: "How do we make them more mobile? How to make them smaller? How do we make them more flexible?"

Although the system is technically suitable for road use and can be transported by transport aircraft, it has some limitations due to its size. The core of the system currently consists of 4 launchers mounted on trailers.

The Typhon multi-purpose mobile missile system. Photo: U.S.

Army

Each of these trailers is boxed by an 8X8 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT). The operations center is located on the fifth trailer, also carried by a HEMTT truck. The system fits completely into a C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.

Each launcher can fire four missiles. This means that a maximum of 16 missiles can be used before reloading the system. This requires additional vehicles and equipment.

Cargo aircraft are needed to transport the system and equipment. The C-17 Globemaster also requires a runway that is at least 1065 meters long and at least 27 meters wide. Many places, such as Pacific Ocean islands, are unsuitable for this.

The launcher of the MRC Typhon complex at the Lewis-McChord base, USA, August 9, 2024.

Photo credits: DVIDS

The size and weight of the Typhon also limit sea transportation, as suitable port facilities must be available to unload the system.

When moving the equipment on land, many bridges are not able to support the weight of the equipment.