Tuesday, July 14, 2009

DTN News: Raytheon Demonstrates Networked Lethality For Army Modernization

DTN News: Raytheon Demonstrates Networked Lethality For Army Modernization
*Source: DTN News / Raytheon Company
(NSI News Source Info) MCKINNEY, Texas, - July 14, 2009: By networking sensors and effects, Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) recently demonstrated how the U.S. Army could modernize brigade combat teams to significantly improve situational awareness and targeting efficiency to help save soldiers' lives. The U.S. Army is now conducting a series of high-tech network and equipment verification tests at its massive White Sands test range as part of brigade combat team modernization. The tests support the Army's efforts to modernize all brigade combat teams with the latest networked intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and lethality capabilities, officials said. As part of what is termed the Technical Field Test, Army engineers and product developers -- supported by Soldiers of the Army Evaluation Task Force and a host of industry partners -- are testing the performance of unmanned ground and air vehicles, unattended sensors, an unattended munitions delivery system and the network that supports them. Hosting a live, hands-on demonstration at Fort Benning, Ga., Raytheon validated how networked lethality is achieved by linking emerging capabilities of its Multi-Function Radio Frequency System, Common Mast-Mounted Sight, and combat identification technology with fielded BCT sensors and weapon systems. Raytheon's Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System provided integrated fires support and command and control capabilities. The demonstration also incorporated a netted mission backbone via Raytheon's combat-proven, versatile Enhanced Position Location Reporting System data network, which is used by Army Stryker and Heavy BCTs. "As the Army develops and executes brigade combat team modernization plans, the networking and integrating of sensors and effects within the brigades will be vital for increased situational awareness, precision fires and dramatic reductions in targeting timelines," said Glynn Raymer, vice president, Raytheon Network Centric Systems Combat Systems. "This capability will provide an unparalleled operational advantage to our warfighters. We created a tactical network that integrates our sense-and-shoot technologies, greatly expands warfighter mission capabilities, and enhances force effectiveness." Raytheon demonstrated Army company-level sharing and cross-cueing of critical sensor information and the ability to more rapidly engage time-critical targets. The demonstration used Army common operating environment protocols to support the entire kill chain and its associated platforms and systems. Raymer added, "Matured through experimental warfighter exercises, this modern and reliable networked lethality capability set has been proved to reduce time-to-target, and that can mean all the difference in saving soldiers' lives." Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 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 73,000 people worldwide.

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