SOCORRO, N.M., Sept. 3, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE:
RTN) fired two Excalibur precision-strike artillery projectiles equipped
with low-cost titanium (Ti) bases at the maximum charge level possible Aug.
7 as part of design testing for the new projectile.
Modular Artillery Charge System-5 is the maximum charge level for U.S.
Paladin and M777 howitzers. Projectiles must be fired at this charge level
to achieve their longest range. At MACS-5, Excalibur reached a range
exceeding 40 kilometers (more than 24 statute miles) using U.S. artillery
systems.
"When the commander needs cannon artillery, the Excalibur can achieve
precision with discrimination at ranges we have not seen in the past," said
Kevin Byrnes, vice president of Raytheon's Army programs. "This is a
game-changer for soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan who fire
Excalibur in combat operations."
The new Excalibur design uses fewer parts and requires simpler
manufacturing, resulting in lower costs and increased reliability.
"The additional range achieved with MACS-5 will give more flexibility
to maneuver commanders," said Steve Bennett, director of Raytheon's
Excalibur program. "Success at the highest charge level is critical to
meeting the warfighter's needs."
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
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
Heather Uberuaga, Raytheon Company,
+1-520-665-5594, uberuaga@raytheon.com
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