RESTON, Va., Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN)
Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC (RTSC) subsidiary has been awarded a
$46.6M contract by the Jordan Armed Forces to upgrade their M60 main battle
tank with Raytheon's Integrated Fire Control System (IFCS).
RTSC will upgrade 50 IFCS systems already installed in Jordanian M60 tanks
under a prior contract, will install IFCS kits in 50 additional M60s, and will
provide spares for all the systems. Raytheon will assemble and test the kits
in Indianapolis and will provide technical assistance to Jordan Armed Forces
personnel during the installation in Jordan.
Raytheon has been working with Jordan's King Abdullah II Design and
Development Bureau (KADDB) for the past three years on its Phoenix Level 1
IFCS upgrade and Level 2 Lethality upgrade efforts for the M60 main battle
tank, a program designed to incrementally increase the M60's operational
capability. Through that effort, one battalion has been fitted with this
upgrade capability and deployed and is currently in-service with the Jordan
Armed Forces. More than 2,000 rounds have already been successfully fired
using the Phoenix Level 1 upgraded tanks.
"With this award, we take the Phoenix Level 1 initiative to the next
step," said Jim Blum, program manager for fire control systems at RTSC. "This
upgrade improves the M60's firepower capability and survivability by offering
a significant improvement in first-round hit capability."
"This award is the result of a very successful teaming with Jordan's
KADDB," added Keith Harmon, RTSC vice president and general manager of the
Indianapolis business unit. "Raytheon will be providing IFCS maintenance
training to the Jordanian personnel and their work force will be doing the
actual installation work, providing jobs in the country. Through these and
future activities, Raytheon is working with KADDB to contribute to Jordan's
economic development and to pursue other business opportunities in the Middle
East region."
Without the benefit of the IFCS modernization, the M60 main battle tank's
fire-control system experiences logistics problems and faces increased
obsolescence issues. The unstabilized sight system of the previous technology
limits the accuracy and the mobility of the tank. The IFCS upgrade provides
the M60 with a true shoot-on-the-move capability, a significant improvement in
performance.
"The M60 is a formidable asset, but continually evolving threats require
updated technology for it to remain so. The IFCS upgrade provides improved
offensive and defensive capability to meet the modern threats," said Harmon.
"It significantly extends the M60's service life at a fraction of the cost of
acquiring a new tank."
KADDB is an agency of the Jordanian government tasked with the design,
development, and transition to manufacture of prototype military equipment.
KADDB operates as an independent governmental organization within the Jordan
Armed Forces.
Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC, a subsidiary of Raytheon Company,
provides technology solutions for defense, federal and commercial customers
worldwide. It specializes in customized engineering services; logistics and
supply chain management; training; and science, research and engineering
services.
Raytheon Company, with 2002 sales of $16.8 billion, is an industry leader
in defense, government and commercial electronics, space information
technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft.
With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs more than 76,000 people
worldwide.
Note to Editors: Additional Technical Information
IFCS, a full director fire control and stabilized synchronized cannon
sighting system, features an advanced forward-looking infrared thermal sight,
an eye-safe laser rangefinder, a digital ballistic computer and an improved
turret stabilization system. Operational performance enhancements provided
include improved surveillance and target acquisition during moving
engagements; faster and more precise multiple target engagement capability;
long-range precision shooting; reduced ammunition consumption with more kills
per combat load; and improved system performance.
Contact:
Kristen Giddens
703.295.2535
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
Kristen Giddens of Raytheon Company,
+1-703-295-2535
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