11 December 2013 army-technology.com

Raytheon has completed the final phase of compatibility testing of precision-guided Excalibur projectiles with the German-made PzH2000 self-propelled howitzer in collaboration with the US Army, marking completion of a multi-phase assessment.

During the trials carried out at Yuma Proving Ground, the PzH2000 fired ten Excalibur projectiles at targets ranging from 9km to 48km, with all rounds striking within 3m of the targets.

The live-fire demonstration, funded by the US, Germany and supported by Raytheon-funded initial testing, also demonstrated the projectile's capability to manoeuvre from the ballistic trajectory to an offset target.

Raytheon Missile Systems Land Warfare Systems product line vice-president Michelle Lohmeier said: "The PzH2000 is one of many highly capable cannon artillery systems currently deployed, and now we've proven that it can fire the only mature, true precision solution available today."

In October, Raytheon also tested the Excalibur from the Swedish Archer and US howitzers.

The German Ministry of Defence is currently assessing Excalibur and competitive technologies, with a contract decision anticipated next year.

US Army Excalibur programme manager Lt Col Josh Walsh said: "Raytheon's Excalibur is a combat-proven solution that has been fielded and used in combat since 2007 with nearly 700 firings in coalition operations."

In a bid to validate the production readiness of Excalibur Ib, Raytheon would carry out a first article test by the end of the year, with further plans of a live-fire demonstration of the 'Excalibur-S' early next year.

The 155mm precision-guided, extended-range Excalibur deploys GPS guidance, which would allow précised, first-round effects capability in any situation, while reducing time, cost and logistical load associated with using other artillery munitions.

Dec 2, 201 ASDNews Source : Raytheon Corporation

    SM-6 achieves initial operational capability

The U.S. Navy is deploying Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Standard Missile-6 for the first time, marking the initial operational capability milestone for the U.S. Navy's newest, most advanced extended range area defense weapon.

"We're very pleased to achieve initial operational capability on schedule," said Capt. Mike Ladner, Surface Ship Weapons major program manager. "The SM-6, with its ability to extend the battlespace, truly offers improved capability for the warfighter. I'm very proud of the entire STANDARD Missile team on this historic achievement."

The SM-6 provides extended range protection against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. The interceptor combines the airframe and propulsion of legacy Standard Missiles with the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).

"This is a monumental moment for the SM-6 program and signifies a new era of fleet defense for our naval warfighters," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president, Raytheon Missile Systems. "The SM-6 significantly improves the sailor's ability to strike at various targets at extended range."

Raytheon has delivered more than 50 SM-6 interceptors to the Navy under low-rate production contracts. In September, Raytheon won a contract for $243 million to build 89 new SM-6 interceptors, signaling the start of full-rate production.

About the Standard Missile-6

SM-6 delivers a proven extended range air defense capability by leveraging the time-tested advantages of the Standard Missile's airframe and propulsion.

    The SM-6 uses both active and semi-active guidance modes and advanced fuzing techniques.

    It incorporates the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities from Raytheon's Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile.

19 November 2013 airforce-technology.com

Nammo Group has delivered an additional AIM-120 advanced medium range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) rocket motor to Raytheon.

Representing an overall 1,000th AMRAAM rocket to have been delivered to date by Nammo, the newly delivered rocket is scheduled to be installed in an under-production AIM-120C7 missile later this month.

Nammo is supplying motors at the rate of approximately 90 motors a month, after being certified as an AMRAAM rocket motor supplier for Raytheon following a lengthy qualification process in October 2012.

Raytheon Missile Systems AMRAAM programme director Ronald Krebs said the Raytheon-Nammo partnership has been a model of success throughout 2012.

"Raytheon has worked extremely hard to make certain our end-user customers continue to receive AMRAAM missiles on schedule," Krebs said.

Raytheon Missile Systems president Dr Taylor Lawrence said, "The teamwork between Raytheon and Nammo has contributed significantly to our shared success."

Under development since 1998, the AIM-120C-7 is an upgraded variant of the AIM-120C AMRAAM missile, featuring extended range and enhancements in homing capability.

The missile is currently being manufactured for both domestic and foreign military customers.

Powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor, the AIM-120 is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed for all-weather, day-and-night operations, and represents the US military's standard air intercept missile carried on tactical fighter aircraft.

Having demonstrated operational flexibility in both air-to-air and surface-launch engagement scenarios, the AMRAAM also serves the baseline missile for the Nato-approved national advanced surface-to-air missile system (NASAMS) long range air-defence system.

The combat-proven missile is purchased by 36 countries worldwide, and is currently integrated on the F-16, F-15, F/A-18, F-22, Typhoon, Gripen, Tornado, Harrier and F-4 fighters, while installation is underway on the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter (JSF) aircraft.

TEWKSBURY, Mass., Nov. 18 (UPI)

More AN/SPY-1 radar transmitters and MK99 fire control systems for the U.S. Navy's Aegis missile system are being produced by Raytheon.

Raytheon, which has produced the systems critical to Aegis for decades, said the multi-year order from the Navy is worth $406 million.

"Through our long-standing role on the Aegis program, we continue to build on our core radar expertise, consistently delivering reliable and highly-capable components to support the mission needs of naval fleets," said Kevin Peppe, vice president of Seapower Capability Systems for Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems. "Our history of performance is a testament to our extensive legacy of experience in the design and development of complex radars."

Aegis is an advanced weapons system deployed on U.S. Japanese, Korean and Norwegian ships to protect against airborne threats, including ballistic missiles.

The AN/SPY-1 radar transmitters and MK99 Fire Control Systems perform the search, track and missile guidance functions of the system, which is being adapted for shore use as part of the U.S. ballistic missile defense system.

Additional contract details were not provided.

Nov 11, 2013 ASDNews Source : Naval Air Systems Command

The U.S. Navy marked a significant milestone Nov. 5, as the service joined defense contractor Raytheon Missile Systems in celebrating the delivery of the 3,000th Tactical Tomahawk (TACTOM) missile.

TACTOM, also known as Tomahawk Block IV, is a deep-strike, long-range cruise missile often used for land-attack warfare and employed from U.S. Navy surface combatants and U.S. Navy and United Kingdom Royal Navy submarines.

Read more

Oct 30, 2013 ASDNews Source : Raytheon Corporation

Latest selection of integrated EW system - ACES - for F-16 aircraft marks 4th international contract

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been selected by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics to provide its Advanced Countermeasure Electronic System (ACES) for the second group of Iraq's F-16IQ aircraft ordered this year. ACES was also selected by Lockheed Martin in 2012 for the first group of F-16IQs and is the integrated electronic warfare system of choice for other international air forces.

"ACES offers the latest in electronic warfare self protection technology designed specifically for the tactical fighter environment and mission," said Mark Kula, vice president of Tactical Airborne Systems for Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems business. "Our system identifies, locates and reacts to potential threats before they can engage. This is critical, game-changing technology needed in today's increasingly complex threat environment."

Read More

WASHINGTON, 3 octobre - RIA Novosti

Le Japon sera équipé d'un second radar du système américain de défense antimissile dans la préfecture de Kyoto, a annoncé jeudi à Washington le chef du Pentagone Chuck Hagel à l'issue d'entretiens des ministres américain et nippon de la Défense et des Affaires étrangères.

"La défense antimissile est prioritaire compte tenu de la menace que les missiles balistiques nord-coréens présentent pour nos pays, la région et le monde entier. Nous avons annoncé aujourd'hui que nous allions installer un second radar dans la préfecture de Kyoto. Il renforcera le potentiel des Etats-Unis et du Japon", a indiqué M.Hagel.

Le ministre américain de la Défense a annoncé l'intention de Washington de renforcer le système de défense antimissile d'ici 2017 afin de contrer la menace balistique nord-coréenne. Les Etats-Unis envisagent notamment de déployer 14 missiles-intercepteurs supplémentaires en Alaska où ils disposeront ainsi de 44 missiles.

Sep 27, 2013 ASDNews Source : Raytheon Corporation

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and the U.S. Navy demonstrated the Griffin® missile's combat proven capabilities in a maritime environment by successfully engaging fast-moving small boats from various platforms throughout a series of at-sea tests.

During one of the tests, the MK-60 Patrol Coastal Griffin Missile System was integrated on a Cyclone-class Patrol Coastal-class ship, where the missile was employed against remote-controlled boats simulating a threat to the ship.

"The Griffin missile and the MK-60 System provide the accuracy and lethality required to meet the requirements of our operational testing," said Capt. Mike Ladner, major program manager of Surface Ship Weapons, U.S. Navy Integrated Warfare Systems 3.0 program office.

The most recent test, conducted at the Navy's Point Mugu, Calif., sea test range, marked the completion of a quick reaction assessment that will lead to fielding of the Griffin missile on forward deployed Patrol Coastal ships later this year.

"The Griffin missile is ideally suited for protecting Navy ships against the increasing small boat threat," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Air Warfare Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems. "Griffin is fully developed, lightweight and precise. It is designed with confined lethality to minimize collateral effects and maximize operational effectiveness."

The MK-60 Patrol Coastal Griffin Missile System includes a proven laser targeting system as well as a Navy-designed launcher and battle management system featuring the Griffin missile. This system will provide the Navy's Patrol Coastal class ships with their first operational capability against small boat threats outside of current gun range.

About Griffin

The Griffin missile is a multi-platform, multi-service weapon that has a proven track record for successful rapid integration with land, sea and air assets. The combat-proven Griffin AGM-176A is an aft-eject missile designed for employment from platforms such as the C-130 aircraft. The Griffin BGM-176B is a forward-firing missile that launches from rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, ground-launch applications and maritime platforms. The Griffin missile is 43 inches long, weighs 33 pounds, has a 13-pound warhead, and is in production today.

Griffin enables the warfighter to engage targets via a simple user interface and guide the weapon to the target using GPS coordinates exclusively or with laser designation. To maximize lethality, the user can choose to engage the target with direct attack or high impact angle, and has the option of using height of burst, point detonation or delayed fuzing.

Chinese S-300 (HongQi 9 [HQ-9]) launcher during China's 60th anniversary parade, 2009. photo Jian Kang

26/09/2013 Michel Cabirol – LaTribune.fr

Pourtant membre de l'OTAN, la Turquie a choisi un groupe chinois, CPMIEC, pour la fourniture d'un système de défense aérienne stratégique pour Ankara. Un contrat évalué à 4 milliards de dollars. C'est une énorme gifle pour les américains Raytheon et Lockheed Martin ainsi que les français MBDA et Thales.

C'est une énorme surprise... et un choix totalement incompréhensible au regard des alliances internationales. La Chine a remporté jeudi un appel d'offres de 4 milliards de dollars lancé par la Turquie portant sur l'acquisition de systèmes de missiles anti-aériens et de missiles de longue portée. Le sous-secrétariat de l'Industrie de la Défense (SSM) a "décidé d'entamer les pourparlers avec la compagnie CPMIEC de la République populaire de Chine pour la production conjointe des systèmes et de leurs missiles en Turquie sur le prix négocié", selon un communiqué.

C'est aussi un énorme claque pour le consortium américain formé par Raytheon et Lockheed Martin mais aussi pour le groupe franco-italien Eurosam (MBDA et Thales) et à un degré moindre le russe Rosoboronexport. Cela risque de tanguer les jours prochains entre Ankara et Washington. Pourquoi un tel choix ? Selon le magazine "Defence News", les Chinois auraient proposé à Ankara trois milliards de dollars, un prix défiant toute concurrence pour un contrat estimé pourtant à 4 milliards de dollars

La Turquie pays membre de l'OTAN

Pourtant, en janvier, l'Otan avait commencé à déployer des missiles sol-air Patriot pour protéger la Turquie d'un éventuel débordement du conflit syrien. Les batteries de missiles Patriot, destinées à assurer la défense du territoire turc contre les avions et les missiles à courte portée, ont été fournies par les Etats-Unis, l'Allemagne et les Pays-Bas.

Thales et MBDA espéraient beaucoup en Turquie. D'autant qu'il existait de nombreux contacts à haut niveau entre les deux pays. François Hollande avait d'ailleurs récemment rencontré son homologue turc, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, pour lui proposer une visite d'Etat.

September 24, 2013 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: U.S Department of Defense; issued September 23, 2013)

Pentagon Contract Announcement

Raytheon Co., El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded $39,000,000 for firm-fixed-price delivery order 0048 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-10-G-0006) for the procurement of 15 AN/APG-79 AESA radar systems for the F/A-18 E/F aircraft.

Work will be performed in Forest, Miss. (80 percent), and El Segundo, Calif. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2015.

Fiscal 2013 aircraft procurement, Navy contract funds in the amount of $39,000,000 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

-- The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded $38,197,820 for fixed-price, incentive-fee delivery order 0073 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-11-G-0001) for the procurement of retrofit kits in support of the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G trailing edge flap engineering change proposal redesign, including 48 trailing edge flap redesign kits, 48 left hand units and 48 right hand units.

Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in July 2017.

Fiscal 2013 aircraft procurement contract funds in the amount $38,197,820 will be obligated at time of award; none of which expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

-- The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded $24,575,433 for firm-fixed-price delivery order 0161 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-11-G-0001) for the procurement of B kits, bulk data cartridge units and mass storage units in support of the F/A-18 E/F Full Rate Production I aircraft Distributed Targeting System engineering change proposal.

Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla. (75 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (21 percent); North Reading, Mass. (1.6 percent); and various other locations in the United States (2.4 percent); is expected to be completed in August 2015.

This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($17,750,379, 72 percent) and the Government of Australia ($6,825,054, 28 percent) under the foreign military sales (FMS) program.

Fiscal 2013 aircraft procurement, Navy and FMS contract funds in the amount $24,575,433 will be obligated at the time of award; none of which expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

-- The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded $12,871,280 for firm-fixed-price delivery order 0164 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-11-G-0001) for the procurement of 114 advanced navigation system retrofit kits for F/A-18E and F/A-18F aircraft.

Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in May 2017.

Fiscal 2013 aircraft procurement contract funds in the amount $2,752,243 will be obligated at the time of award; none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

19/09/2013 by Paul Fiddian - Armed Forces International's Lead Reporter

The US Navy has carried out a first-time paired SM-3 Block 1B missile launch against a short-range ballistic missile in a test conducted in September 2013.

The Standard Missile-3s were launched one after the other from the USS Lake Erie Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser. Conforming to pre-mission requirements, the first missile took out the airborne target. It wasn't planned that the second missile would engage with the target but, as anticipated, the launch yielded valuable data on multiple weapons deployments.

The trial represented the 25th time that Standard Missiles-3s have been launched and the fourth consecutive launch involving the new-generation SM-3 Block 1B version.

Standard Missile-3 Block 1B

The Standard Missile-3 Block 1B is an upgrade of the SM-3 Block 1A, which is in widespread military service. It boasts an augmented dual-colour infrared seeker and another new feature - the Throttleable Divert and Attitude Control System.

Between them, the US Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force are equipped with over 155 SM-3 missiles. The SM-3 Block 1B follow-up is both land and sea-deployable and initial system deliveries will take place in 2015, according to current scheduling.

The missile is produced by Raytheon, which employs more than 68,000 people and, last year, achieved a sales total of $24 billion.

SM-3 Block 1B Test Launch

"Confidence in the SM-3 Block IB's defensive capability continues to grow with each flight test", Raytheon Missile Systems president, Doctor Taylor Lawrence, explained in the firm's SM-3 Block 1B test launch press release. "When this weapon deploys in 2015, the US and our allies will have a tremendously reliable, capable defensive asset on their side."

"We're gaining a tremendous amount of information about what this missile can do, and in many instances it is far surpassing design requirements", added Raytheon Missile Systems' SM-3 programme director, Doctor Mitch Stevison. "The SM-3 Block IB is proving it can take on increasingly sophisticated scenarios, and that kind of confidence sets the stage for a production decision."

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire

The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a $14 million Lot 2 contract to continue full rate production of High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) Control Section Modification (HCSM) upgrade units.

The modification adds a GPS receiver and an improved inertial measurement unit (IMU) for precision navigation to the existing HARM. HCSM also features a digital flight computer that merges targeting solutions from navigation and seeker systems.

"HCSM upgrades to the HARM allow the enhanced weapon to precisely engage the target set," said Jack Roosa, HARM program director for Raytheon Missile Systems. "These upgrades negate many counter tactics of sophisticated radar-directed defenses and add a stand-off, high-speed strike capability against time critical targets of known location."

Raytheon began modification of existing HARMs early this year. Delivery of HCSM units is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2013. Raytheon has teamed with Honeywell, Rockwell Collins and others for the HCSM program.

The contract was awarded in Raytheon's second quarter of 2013.

About HARM and HCSM

The AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile is a key battlespace element to suppress or destroy surface-to-air missile radars, early warning radars and radar-directed air defense artillery systems. HARMs have made hostile airspaces worldwide safer for U.S. and allied warfighters. The missile resides in the inventories of eight countries.

    More than 4,000 HARMs have been employed in combat.

    HCSM adds GPS/IMU navigation accuracy, giving HARM the ability to engage time-critical targets.

    HCSM has new features that degrade counter-HARM tactics, while reducing the risk of fratricide or collateral damage.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2012 sales of $24 billion and 68,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 91 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems; as well as a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.