TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 28, 2006 /PRNewswire/ - Raytheon Company's (NYSE:
RTN) Missile Systems business and BAE Systems-Bofors successfully fired the
first extended-range GPS-guided Excalibur projectiles at Yuma Proving
Ground, Ariz., last month.
Excalibur is the next-generation family of projectiles for U.S. Army
and Marine Corps artillery.
The so-called Guided Series-6 test of the Excalibur Block Ia-2
consisted of two inert rounds configured with tactical base and live base
bleed. Base bleed is a solid fuel that burns in the base of the projectile,
expelling gas that reduces drag with the result of extending range. The
primary test objectives were to demonstrate the navigational functionality
throughout the flight with live base bleed and to verify base-bleed
performance.
"Continued test successes demonstrate Excalibur's ability to meet the
full Block Ia requirements," said Lt. Col. Joe Minus, U.S. Army product
manager for the Excalibur program. "The base bleed with charge five will
propel Excalibur beyond the 40-kilometer (24.8 miles) objective range from
the current U.S. howitzers."
The Archer, the Swedish 52-caliber howitzer, will achieve an Excalibur
range of approximately 33 miles (50 kilometers). The Block Ia-2 tests will
include full system performance testing, to include maximum range shots
from the Archer, and will be conducted in parallel with Block Ia-1 urgent
fielding.
The Excalibur program is responding to an urgent request from the
warfighter to accelerate fielding because of the projectile's better than
10- meter (33 feet) accuracy that is not available from any other artillery
projectile. With its accuracy and increased effectiveness, Excalibur
provides operational flexibility and reduces the logistical burden for
deployed ground forces.
It also reduces collateral damage through increased precision, near-
vertical descent and optimized fragmentation pattern. Excalibur Ia-1 is to
be fielded to deployed forces in early 2007. The extended range of the Ia-2
Excalibur, with a planned initial operational capability in fiscal year
2008, will enable optimal positioning of forces and further extend a
maneuver unit's tactical reach.
Raytheon Company, with 2005 sales of $21.9 billion, is an industry
leader in defense and government electronics, space, information
technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft.
With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people
worldwide.
Note to Editors:
During the test, one round was fired with the Modular Artillery Charge
System, charge three, to approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) in range, the
system's minimum range requirement with live base bleed. The second round
was fired with a charge four at 45 degrees cannon tube quadrant elevation,
a low elevation to accommodate range limitations at Yuma, and achieved a
range of approximately 16 miles (25 kilometers).
Contact:
Everett Tackett, APR
520.794.9494
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com/
CONTACT:
Everett Tackett, APR, of Raytheon Company,
+1-520-794-9494
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