Raytheon Aims to Integrate STM on Light-Attack Aircraft

source defense-update.com

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire

Small precision weapon is ideal for counterinsurgency

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is seeking to integrate its Small Tactical Munition onto a wide variety of light-attack aircraft.

STM is a new 12-pound, 22-inch-long, precision-guided, gravity-dropped weapon. Although initially designed for employment from unmanned aircraft systems, STM's small size makes it uniquely applicable to manned systems as well. STM is the smallest air-launched weapon in Raytheon's portfolio.

"STM's small size enables the warfighter to carry dozens of STMs on a multitude of light attack aircraft," said Bob Francois, vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems. "Instead of using an expensive system to destroy a target such as a lightly armored vehicle, the warfighter could use an STM, which costs roughly the same as a pickup truck and reduces collateral damage."

About Small Tactical Munition

STM has foldable fins and wings, which enable the weapon to be employed from the U.S. military's common launch tube. STM incorporates a purpose-built warhead designed by Nammo-Talley and features a Kaman Aerospace electronic safe arm and fire device.

    * Smallest air-launched weapon made by Raytheon at 12 pounds, 22 inches

    * Originally designed for unmanned aircraft but well suited for light attack aircraft

    * Costs roughly the same as a pickup truck