TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 26, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The Raytheon Company
(NYSE: RTN) and Northrop Grumman Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) team
fired a Stage 2 rocket motor featuring an enhanced nozzle and upgraded
ballistics. The firing occurred at the Alliant Techsystems' test facility
in Elkton, Md., Sept. 25.
KEI is a land-based missile defense system featuring the Missile
Defense Agency's newest rapid acceleration interceptor. Fully deployed, the
mobile system will have the capability to destroy medium, intermediate and
intercontinental ballistic missiles in their boost, ascent and midcourse
phases of flight.
"This test builds additional confidence in our booster design and
demonstrates significant progress toward our first flight test in 2009,"
said Chuck Ross, Raytheon Missile Systems' vice president of KEI. "This
firing paves the way for future tests in high-altitude environments."
KEI features a compact, lightweight design that enables mobility and
flexible deployment.
Northrop Grumman is leading the team charged with developing and
testing a KEI capability for the Missile Defense Agency. Raytheon leads the
program's interceptor development work. Alliant Techsystems is Raytheon's
principal subcontractor and is responsible for performing Stage 1 and Stage
2 rocket-motor development work.
Orbital Sciences will integrate the booster and prepare range
operations for the 2009 flight.
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 more
than 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:
John Patterson
520.794.4559
john_b_patterson@raytheon.com
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
John Patterson of Raytheon Company,
+1-520-794-4559, john_b_patterson@raytheon.com
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