Is a 1/4 Scale Tomahawk Cruise Missile with 500 Miles Range Feasible?
Many of us believe in the impossible, such as the existence of Santa Claus. I even dream of being Santa in my next life, because he has a unique advantage: knowing where all the naughty girls live and having the privilege of satisfying that once-a-year “cum” requirement! However, believing in a 1/4 scale model of a Tomahawk cruise missile with a 500-mile range would mean suspending belief in one of the most fundamental physical principles: the Cubic-Quadratic Law.
The Original Tomahawk Missile
The original Tomahawk cruise missile is a powerful weapon with a rather impressive size and range. It has a length of 6.25 meters (20 feet 6 inches) and a diameter of 52 cm (20.4 inches), and its range is 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) (Source: Wikipedia). Reducing the size to 1/4 scale would result in a missile that is approximately 1.6 meters long and 13 cm in diameter. Such a reduction in volume equates to a significant compromise in the missile's missile's volume by a factor of 64 (0.25^3).
Key Components for a 1/4 Scale Model
Let's consider the following critical components of the Tomahawk missile and see if they can fit into a 1/4 scale model with the same range of 500 miles:
Power Source: Turbofan Engine
A turbofan engine, which is a key component of the original Tomahawk, is likely to face significant challenges in fitting into the reduced size. Consider the Williams F107 turbofan, which is 610 mm long and 30 cm in diameter. This turbofan would need to be significantly downsized, but it still wouldn't fit into the proposed 1/4 scale model.
Guidance and Navigation Systems
Guidance and navigation systems are also a crucial part of a cruise missile. Although they can be made more compact, they still require sufficient space for proper operation. Additionally, these systems need heat sinks for cooling, which further reduces the available space. A smaller turbofan would also generate more heat, exacerbating cooling requirements.
Warhead and Payload
A warhead with any significant destructive power would be impossible to fit into such a reduced volume. The original Tomahawk carries a warhead with a range and effectiveness that would be vastly compromised in a 1/4 scale model.
Fuel and Range
A 1/4 scale model of the Tomahawk would need to be capable of flying 500 miles, which is similar to the original missile's range. However, the reduced size would severely limit the amount of fuel that could be carried, making it nearly impossible to achieve the same range.
Experimental and Unusual Solutions
Instead of focusing on a Williams F107, consider other smaller turbofans such as the Williams WR19, EJ22 experimental discontinued model, or Pratt Whitney PW600 PBS 150JD. Even with these more compact engines, fitting all the necessary components into the proposed 1/4 scale model proves to be unfeasible.
Alternative Solutions: JASSM-ER
Given the physical constraints and the impracticality of a 1/4 scale Tomahawk missile, a more practical solution is the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER). The JASSM-ER is a superior choice due to its 500 nautical mile range, advanced stealth technology, and overall sophistication.
The JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range) is a highly advanced cruise missile developed by Boeing. It boasts a range of 500 nautical miles, which is significantly greater than the 500 miles for the 1/4 scale Tomahawk model. The JASSM-ER is also more advanced in terms of stealth technology and overall design, making it a more reliable and effective weapon.
Therefore, while the idea of a 1/4 scale Tomahawk cruise missile with a 500-mile range seems intriguing, the practical and physical limitations make it unattainable. The JASSM-ER offers a superior alternative that meets both range and technological requirements.