TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy conducted a second
successful test flight of a Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTNA, RTNB) STANDARD
Missile 2 (SM-2), Block IVA Theater Ballistic Missile Defense (TBMD) and anti-
air warfare missile (AAW) at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
The test flight, designated Control Test Vehicle Two (CTV-2), took place
today over the central portion of the national missile range. The CTV-2 test
was an engineering evaluation of the missile's structural integrity and
autopilot performance. The data from this test are being evaluated and the
results will be applied to the next flight test -- a "theater ballistic
missile fly-by" early next year.
CTV-2 exercised the autopilot through the boost, midcourse and terminal
phases of flight. Throughout the flight envelope, the missile made numerous
maneuvers demonstrating near-maximum "g" capability, autopilot stability and
airframe maneuverability. The test missile, which was extensively
instrumented, provided essential characterization data of both the aerothermal
and flight vibration environments.
"This test completes our control test phase, which demonstrated that our
modified missile airframe and advanced autopilot provide the maneuverability
required to engage the ballistic missile threat. We have now established the
foundation for the intercept test phase of the program. This successful test
is a key milestone toward fielding this important capability for our U.S. Navy
customer," said Ed Miyashiro, Raytheon Missile Systems vice president for
Surface Navy Air Defense Systems.
CTV-2 was the second in a planned series of eight engineering and
manufacturing development (EMD) flight tests. The test series will validate
the missile design and demonstrate the Navy's ability to intercept both
ballistic missile and air-breathing targets with the SM-2 Block IVA missile.
The program entered EMD after a successful intercept of a Lance ballistic
missile in 1997 with a SM-2 Block IVA prototype. Raytheon and the Navy are
executing a comprehensive ground test program in conjunction with this series
of EMD flight tests. SM-2 Block IVA is an evolution of SM-2 Block IV, which
recently entered the fleet and is in limited production. The SM-2 Block IV
Program recently completed a series of successful at-sea firings from the USS
O'Kane (DDG-77).
The Ballistic Missile Defense Organization and the Department of the Navy
are co-sponsors in this development of a Navy Area TBMD capability. TBMD is
required to defend against the more than 25 nations which have or are
developing nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and more than 15 nations
that have ballistic missiles that can carry these weapons. The Navy's Program
Executive Office for Theater Surface Combatants manages the Navy's Area TBMD
Program. Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz., is the prime contractor
for the development of the SM-2 Block IVA missile.
Raytheon Company, based in Lexington, Mass., is a global technology leader
that provides products and services in the areas of commercial and defense
electronics, and business and special mission aircraft. Raytheon has
operations throughout the United States and serves customers in 70 countries.
Note to Editors:
Missile Systems is a business unit in Raytheon's Electronic Systems
business, which is headquartered in El Segundo, Calif. ES was established at
the beginning of 2000 to bring together capabilities in radar and electro-
optics for space, airborne and ground applications; expertise in naval systems
and integration; and, leadership in the development and production of
missiles. In addition to Missiles, ES comprises five other business units:
Air Combat and Strike Systems; Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems;
Tactical Systems; Naval & Maritime Integrated Systems; and, Air and Missile
Defense Systems.
Contact:
Sara Hammond
520.794.7810
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
Sara Hammond of Raytheon Company,
520-794-7810
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