GLENROTHES, SCOTLAND, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Systems Limited at
Glenrothes has been contracted as a key manufacturing centre for work on the
TPQ-47 Firefinder Weapon Locating System. This important contract recognises
the Glenrothes facility's outstanding record for cost effective high quality
work and in particular to its expertise in the field of Power Products.
The selection of Raytheon Systems Limited (RSL) Glenrothes follows in turn
the award from the US Army to Raytheon Company, Electronic Systems, in El
Segundo, California of the engineering manufacturing development (EDM) phase
for the implementation of an upgraded version of the Firefinder system
designated the AN/TPQ-47. Firefinder is a mobile ground defence radar system
which is in service with the US Army and other nations.
RSL Glenrothes will build the Power Amplifier Module (PAM), a key element
of the upgrade, used to drive Firefinder's radar transmitters. This work will
cover not only the units for the EDM phase of the programme but also
subsequent Firefinder production.
Of particular importance is that all future Raytheon programmes employing
PAM technology will involve the Glenrothes facility. This reinforces
Raytheon's commitment to the Ministry of Defence to make this advanced
technology available to the UK. This technology development arose from early
proposals on the ASTOR (Airborne Stand-Off Radar) programme, the contract for
which has been awarded to RSL.
Archie Reidpath, General Manager of RSL Glenrothes, said, "This contract
for RSL Glenrothes underlines the skills and capability of the workforce here
and reinforces the reputation we have in the defence electronics industry, one
that we have carefully built up over the years." He added, "Manufacturing the
PAM for Firefinder brings further advanced technology know-how to this site
which we can exploit for the benefit of other programmes."
Raytheon Systems Limited (RSL) is the UK-based subsidiary of Raytheon
Company (NYSE: RTNA, RTNB). With some 2,000 employees working out of nine
facilities, RSL services both defence and commercial markets. It is prime
bidder for a number of major UK Ministry of Defence programmes and last year
won the MoD's ASTOR (Airborne Stand-Off Radar) programme. In August 2000, the
company was selected as preferred supplier for SIFF (Successor Identification
Friend or Foe). The company also participates as a team player in bids for
other programmes such as the Royal Navy's Future Carrier (CVF). RSL designs,
develops and manufactures a wide range of advanced electronic products and
systems including airport radar, identification systems, anti-jam navigation
systems and marine navigation equipment. It is also a specialist supplier of
semiconductors and power modules, manufacturing complex electronic systems,
sub-systems and assemblies for the defence and high quality industrial
markets. Additionally the company undertakes aircraft servicing, repair and
modification and develops simulation and training products for air traffic
control.
Raytheon Company is a global technology leader that provides products and
services in the areas of commercial and defence electronics and business and
special mission aircraft. Raytheon has operations throughout the United
States and serves customers in 70 countries.
Note for editors:
Firefinder is a mobile ground defence radar system used by the US Army and
other nations for the detection of incoming fire from mortars, artillery and
rockets, and providing an improved targeting capability for counterbattery
fire. In the case of tactical ballistic missiles it can detect at ranges out
to 300 km. The whole system can be carried in a fixed wing aircraft such as
the C-130 or by heavy-lift helicopters and emplacement and displacement can be
accomplished by a six-man crew.
The Power Amplifier Module (PAM) consists of a Travelling Wave Tube (TWT)
RF amplifier and associated High Voltage Power Supplies packaged together
within a robust but easily handled LRU. The key issue in achieving
sufficiently high packaging density to realise a PAM in LRU form was the
development of a compact HV Power Supply by Raytheon Power Labs, El Segundo.
Mike Brown
Tel: +44 (0)20 7569 5517
mike.brown@raytheon.co.uk
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
Mike Brown of Raytheon, +44 (0)20 7569 5517,
mike.brown@raytheon.co.uk
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