New technology speeds rescue capability
SPRINGFIELD, Va., March 24, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company
(NYSE: RTN) has developed and demonstrated a rapid concrete breaking
technology to advance capabilities for urban search and rescue teams in
disaster situations.
The Controlled Impact Rescue Tool, or CIRT, uses shock waves to
pulverize concrete, which enables rescue workers to remove the material
more quickly than using existing techniques.
"This revolutionary approach decreased by 50 percent the time it takes
to reach a victim trapped by concrete, increasing the probability of a
successful rescue," said Guy DuBois, vice president of Raytheon's
Operational Technologies and Solutions business.
Developed under the rapid technology application program of the
Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate, the
rapid breaching technology meets the need for increased speed in breaching
concrete walls and barriers.
Raytheon demonstrated the CIRT prototype to DHS, Federal Emergency
Management Agency and urban search and rescue officials recently. During
the demonstration the CIRT smashed through concrete in 13 minutes, while
conventional methods took 29 minutes or more.
Based in Garland, Texas, Raytheon IIS is a leading provider of
information and intelligence solutions to the government. Raytheon IIS has
annual revenues of approximately $2.7 billion and employs more than 9,000
engineering and technical professionals worldwide.
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 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:
Quentin Hunstad
703.849.1588
quentin_r_hunstad@raytheon.com
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
Quentin Hunstad of Raytheon Company,
+1-703-849-1588, quentin_r_hunstad@raytheon.com
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