TUCSON, Ariz., March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The Evolved SeaSparrow Missile
(ESSM) achieved the tactical kill of a BQM-34S Firebee target drone during its
first guided flight test March 16 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. ESSM is
under development by Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTNA, RTNB) Missile Systems
business unit for the U.S. Navy and the 13 member nations of the NATO
SEASPARROW Consortium.
The missile, dubbed Control Test Vehicle-4A (CTV-4A), was launched from
the Desert Ship launch complex at White Sands Missile Range. After a series of
controlled maneuvers, the missile transitioned to guided flight resulting in
the tactical kill. Real time, visual, radar and telemetry data showed the
missile maintaining proper controlled and guided flight with the flight
trajectory comparing favorably with preflight predictions.
"This test was an integral step in the development process toward
production and eventual deployment," said Captain Ken Graber, U.S. Navy head
of the NATO SEASPARROW Project Office. "Preliminary data indicated the missile
flew its preprogrammed flight properly and all test objectives, including
terminal guidance, were met."
"CTV-4A successfully demonstrated ESSM's advanced capabilities as a key
ship defense weapon for the U.S. Navy and the navies of the NATO SEASPARROW
Consortium," said Louise Francesconi, Raytheon vice president and general
manager of the company's Missile Systems business unit in Tucson, Ariz. "We
are extremely pleased with ESSM's performance and look forward to continued
successful tests throughout the rest of the year."
ESSM is the next-generation SeaSparrow missile. Features include a larger
diameter rocket motor, a tail control section, thrust vector control for
vertical launch capability and an upgraded ordnance package. CTV-4A was the
first of fifteen planned flight tests scheduled for this year. The NATO
SeaSparrow has been the primary surface-to-air ship self defense missile
system for U.S. Navy and member nations' ships for more than 30 years.
Raytheon Company, based in Lexington, Mass., is a global technology leader
that provides products and services in the areas of commercial and defense
electronics, engineering and construction, and business and special mission
aircraft. Raytheon has operations throughout the United States and serves
customers in more than 80 countries.
Contact: Colleen Niccum 520.794.7585 http://www.raytheon.com
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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