TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTNA; RTNB)
has been awarded a $14 million contract for the Programmable Integrated
Ordnance Suite Phase II (PIOS II). The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and
the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) are jointly funding the effort.
"In the past, there have been two traditional ways of improving the
chances of destroying a target - getting closer, so that your punch has more
effect, or having a bigger punch," said Terry Adams, United Kingdom Ministry
of Defence Procurement Agency project manager. "PIOS is a concept designed
with eyes to look at the target, then deliver a more intelligently placed
punch using an aimable warhead. This is exciting technology with applications
across a wide spectrum of missiles and is not being developed for a specific
system."
The contract will include an advanced concept technology demonstration for
missile applications. The overall intent of this demonstration is to provide
a feasible means to increase the lethality of missile systems as targets
become more agile and less vulnerable.
"PIOS's adaptive response ordnance will improve missile effectiveness
significantly against a diverse target set that includes cruise missiles and
unmanned combat air vehicles," said Don Cunard, program manager of the Air
Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate, Eglin AFB, Fla. "The
technologies we're pursuing support the evolution toward multi-role missile
capable of air and surface target defeat."
"A unique feature of PIOS is its joint 50/50 funding by the United States
and the United Kingdom. International cooperation is one means of funding
research and development where common interests are involved," said Scott
Johnston, Raytheon's PIOS program manager.
Raytheon has selected subcontractors representing a complete set of skills
in each country. Alliant Techsystems in the U.S., with Thomson-Thorn Missile
Electronics and BAE Systems subsidiaries Avionics Limited and Royal Ordnance
Defence in the UK make up the subcontractor team. Also included as part of the
Integrated Product Team program structure are members of the UK Defence
Evaluation Research Agency and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.
This 49-month program was developed using Raytheon's Integrated Product
Development System (IPDS). Acquisition reform initiatives in the U.S. and
similar smart procurement in the UK allowed the U.S. Air Force and UK MoD to
actively participate early in the IPDS process, mitigating much of the risk
inherent with multiple customers and an international environment.
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 more than 70
countries.
Contact:
Sara Hammond
520.794.7810
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
Sara Hammond of Raytheon, 520-794-7810
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