INDIANAPOLIS, April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company delivered the first
Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) System to
the U.S. Navy in an April 2, 2003 ceremony at Raytheon Technical Services
Company LLC's facility in Indianapolis.
The first of two LRIP pods to be delivered under an existing contract,
this delivery provides the U.S. Navy's F/A-18 program with a significantly
improved capability in tactical reconnaissance. Raytheon was recently awarded
a contract for eight additional SHARP LRIP systems.
SHARP will replace the current Carrier Air Wing tactical reconnaissance
capability provided by the film-based F-14 Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod
System (TARPS). Fleet introduction of the SHARP system is on the F/A-18F Super
Hornet for its early operational deployment on the USS Nimitz (CVN 68).
"Raytheon is proud of its contribution to the SHARP Program and the
quantum leap in capability it provides to the tactical reconnaissance
community," said Bryan J. Even, a vice president of Raytheon Company and
president of Raytheon Technical Services Company. "We have worked closely with
the Navy on the SHARP Program throughout its development. Delivering SHARP to
be deployed on the F/A-18F Super Hornet gives us all a sense of great
satisfaction; we are providing our fighting forces with the best possible
technology to successfully complete their missions."
The Raytheon-designed pod incorporates a rotating mid-section to optimize
coverage, to protect the window by allowing stowage under the strongback, and
to reduce the size and life-cycle expense of large fixed windows. The pod's
design also provides mobility - it mounts on a bomb rack like a smart weapon
-- allowing for more flexibility in reconnaissance mission planning. While the
initial systems employ electro-optical/infrared sensors for use on the F/A-
18E/F aircraft, the pod design is readily adaptable to many sensor payloads on
a wide range of aircraft.
Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC, a subsidiary of Raytheon Company,
provides technical, scientific and professional services for defense, federal
and commercial customers worldwide. It specializes in management, operation
and maintenance of customer facilities, equipment and systems; logistics and
life-cycle support; overhaul and repair depot operations; engineering,
logistics and personnel support; space and earth sciences; test and training
range support; and privatization of government services.
Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), with 2002 sales of $16.8 billion, is an
industry leader in defense, government and commercial electronics, space
information technology, technical services, and business and special mission
aircraft. With headquarters in Lexington, Mass., Raytheon employs more than
76,000 people worldwide.
Note to Editors: Photo available upon request
Contact:
Kristen Giddens
703.295.2535
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
Kristen Giddens of Raytheon Company,
+1-703-295-2535
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