SOCORRO, N.M., July 21, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE:
RTN) tested a new low-cost titanium base (Ti) and on-board recorder (OBR)
for the Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectile during a June 13
test firing.
The test firings are part of Raytheon Missile Systems' pre-contract
preparation for the Excalibur Ib development award. The firings
demonstrated the effectiveness of the low-cost Ti design and validated the
use of an OBR and telemetry unit.
"The Ti base was a key element in the proposal Raytheon submitted to
the U.S. Army on May 7 because it lowers the cost of gun-fired precision
projectiles," said Steve Bennett, director of Raytheon's Excalibur program.
"A Ti base offers increased reliability with fewer parts, simpler
manufacturing, and compatibility with the Army's 155 mm Excalibur
projectile."
Raytheon's Ti base design can accommodate base burn propellant. The
propellant and the projectile's aerodynamic profile significantly increase
Excalibur's range.
During the test fire, the projectiles flew stable flights, and the
stowed fins successfully deployed after clearing the gun. The tests
demonstrated the fins' structural integrity and ability to synchronously
deploy and lock.
The test flight also validated the effectiveness of the OBR. The
recorder tracked projectile acceleration and roll rates inside the gun
tube, after the round exited the tube, and during flight.
"The OBR will enable Raytheon to move rapidly from design to successful
test flights with minimal testing," said Bennett. "The Ti base and OBR will
make compatibility assessments across a broad range of gun platforms and
propellant charges faster and easier."
Excalibur recently received a Top 10 Army Greatest Inventions of the
Year Award for 2007.
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 86
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:
Heather Uberuaga
520.665.5594
uberuaga@raytheon.com
SOURCE Raytheon Company
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
Heather Uberuaga of Raytheon Company,
+1-520-665-5594, uberuaga@raytheon.com
|
