INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 12, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- A subsidiary of Raytheon
Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $2.1 million contract by the U.S. Air
Force (Aging Aircraft Systems Squadron, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio) to design
and develop an interface modification for the existing Triple Ejection Rack
(TER-9A) to expand the munitions capability of the F-16 aircraft. Options
included in the contract provide a potential additional value of $6.3 million.
"With the enhanced capability to provide more precision-guided weapons per
sortie at a lower cost, the Smart Triple Ejection Rack (Smart TER) will have
the ability to become a true force multiplier and serve a vital role toward
enabling mission success," stated Lt. Col. Phil Louden, Aging Aircraft Systems
Squadron commander.
Under the basic contract, Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC (RTSC)
will design, develop and test a Smart TER. Program options can be exercised
for the production of a limited number of proof-of-concept units. Work will be
performed in Indianapolis.
"There is a compelling combat need for this modification," said Larry
Parsons, program manager for Aircraft Auxiliary Systems at RTSC. "This
addition of smart weapons to the force commanders' arsenal not only provides
them flexibility but also significantly increases the precision munitions
available to them."
To provide this enhanced capability, the aircraft interface of the TER-9A
will be modified to allow it to carry multiple smart weapons, including the
JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition), the Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser,
and MALD (the Miniature Air Launched Decoy), in addition to the conventional
weapons it currently carries. By modifying an existing ejection rack to
provide the increased capability rather than adding additional carriage
equipment to the aircraft, the Smart TER program can significantly reduce the
logistics footprint and cost.
Raytheon has a long history of successfully designing, developing and
producing weapons carriage and release systems in response to customers'
critical mission needs. The knowledge and best practices developed through
years of experience allow Raytheon to develop a low-risk, rapid-response
solution for the Smart TER requirement.
"Raytheon recognizes that the Smart TER is imperative for the Air
Expeditionary Force and has the experience to deliver this breakthrough
technology quickly and cost-effectively," said John Balaguer, RTSC vice
president and general manager of RTSC's Indianapolis-based business unit. "Our
experience also provides excellent insight into future supportability
requirements the Smart TER program is likely to encounter, allowing us to
design a solution informed by likely future requirements to extend the Smart
TER life and ensure it remains a significant component in successful missions
for years to come."
Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC, a subsidiary of Raytheon Company,
provides technology solutions for defense, federal and commercial customers
worldwide. It specializes in Mission Support, counter-proliferation and
counter-terrorism, base and range operations and customized engineering
services. Mission Support-Raytheon's integrated approach to providing total
life-cycle support, predicting customer needs, sensing problems and
proactively applying solutions-enables Raytheon to maintain readiness and
deliver operational capability on demand, enhancing customer mission success.
Raytheon Company, with 2004 sales of $20.2 billion, is an industry leader
in defense and government electronics, space, information technology,
technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With
headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people worldwide.
Note to Editors: Additional Information
Raytheon's Miniature Air Launched Decoy is a low-cost, air-launched
programmable craft that accurately duplicates the combat flight profiles and
signatures of U.S. and allied aircraft. In addition to protecting valuable
aircraft, MALD offers counter air operations to neutralize, if not destroy,
air defense systems that pose a threat to U.S. and allied pilots.
Contact:
Kristen Giddens Pinto-Coelho
703.295.2535
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
Kristen Giddens Pinto-Coelho of Raytheon,
+1-703-295-2535
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