The BGM-109G Gryphon, ground launched cruise missile (GLCM), was a ground launch variant of the Tomahawk cruise missile built by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force (USAF). The Gryphon was designed as a tactical weapon system to counter the mobile medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) and intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) nuclear missiles, (SS-20 Saber) deployed by the Soviet Union in Eastern European Bloc countries. The GLCM entered service in 1983 as a tactical component of the U.S. Air Forces Europe (USAFE) Command. By 1987, six GLCM missile wing has been activated in five separate countries.
The BGM-109G was a pilotless flying machine powered by a turbofan engine. Configured with the terrain contour matching (TARCOM) radar, it could maneuver nearly undetected over terrain at low altitude. The GLCM carried only a W84 thermonuclear warhead. It was operated by a flight of 74 personnel, with 22 vehicles, and 16 missiles. The vehicle fleet had four transport erector launchers (TELs), each containing four BGM-109Gs ready to launch. Connected to the TELs and interconnected for launch were two launch control centers (LCCs), each with two launch officers. One LCC controlled two TELs. Each TEL and LCC were towed by a MAN KAT1 8×8 tractor, capable of traversing rough terrain.
Threatened by the capabilities of the GLCM, the Soviets ratified the accords of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with the U.S. on June 1, 1988. Both nations immediately began removing short-range missiles from Europe. By 1991, all GLCMs, (approximately 440) were transported to Davis-Monthan AFB and dismantled or converted for static displays. Only eight static were approved. GLCM unit inactivated were: 38th Tactical Missile Wing (TMW) Wüschheim AB, Germany; 303 TMW Royal Air Force (RAF) Molesworth, United Kingdom (UK); 501 TMW RAF Greenham Common, U K; 485th TMW Florennes AB, Belgium; 486th TMW, Woensdrecht AB, Netherlands; and the 487th TMW Comiso AB, Italy.
