RR-AIRSS program sensor considered major technology advance
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE:
RTN) has successfully demonstrated a fully integrated, high-performance
infrared sensor ahead of schedule for the Risk Reduction Alternative
Infrared Satellite Systems program.
The RR-AIRSS program is sponsored by the U.S. Air Force Space and
Missiles Systems Center and managed by the U.S. Air Force Research
Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate in Albuquerque, N.M. The program aims
to prove that wide- field-of-view infrared sensors can maintain persistent
full-earth surveillance for missile warning in a relatively small, low-risk
and easily manufactured payload.
The sensor represents a major technology advance compared with the
current Defense Satellite and Space-based Infrared System programs. Both
rely on complex scanning mechanisms to perform full-earth surveillance of
missiles and other infrared targets. Initial tests and analysis indicate
the RR-AIRSS sensor will outperform both significantly.
"The RR-AIRSS sensor is an important part of the evolution of our
nation's missile warning capabilities," said Brian Arnold, vice president
for Raytheon's Space Systems organization. "When potential missile threats
can come today from anywhere on earth, a persistent, whole-earth-staring
capability provides the enhanced detection sensitivity and responsiveness
our warfighters need to make critical decisions."
Having successfully completed in fewer than 18 months the integration
and demonstration of a novel sensor able to monitor the entire earth,
Raytheon is preparing to finish environmental testing. The company already
has collected test pattern images that demonstrate telescope image quality
and focal plane functionality. After environmental testing, the sensor will
go to the Air Force Research Laboratory for further evaluation.
"This achievement is the result of innovative thinking, tightly managed
program execution, and close coordination between Raytheon and our partners
at the laboratory and the Space and Missile Systems Center," Arnold said.
"We're proud to continue our tradition of developing the most advanced
sensor technology for military and civil space applications."
Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology
leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government
markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning more
than 85 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. With headquarters in
Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.
Contact:
John Barksdale
310.647.8224
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
John Barksdale for Raytheon Company,
+1-310-647-8224
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