DTN News: Raytheon's Rolling Airframe Missile Completes Key Flight Tests

DTN News: Raytheon's Rolling Airframe Missile Completes Key Flight Tests *Source: DTN News / Raytheon (NSI News Source Info) TUCSON, Ariz., - November 29, 2009: Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Rolling Airframe Missile Block 2 successfully completed three instrumented test vehicle flights between April and October designed to demonstrate the system's upgraded kinematic capabilities. The tests focused on RAM's rocket motor, airframe, control section and autopilot software. Raytheon will build 35 Block p missiles during the design and development test period and expects a low rate initial production contract will follow. The RAM Block 2 upgrade includes a four-axis independent control actuator system and an improved rocket motor with a 30 percent increase in propellant. These and other upgrades increase the missile's effective range and deliver a significant improvement in maneuverability. The improved missile also incorporates an upgraded passive radio frequency seeker, a digital autopilot and engineering changes in selected infrared seeker components. "Block 2 will allow RAM to control the battlespace against emerging and more maneuverable anti-ship cruise missile threats," said Frank Wyatt, Raytheon's vice president of Naval Weapon Systems. "This improved system is one of the most advanced kinematic missiles in the world and sets the standard for performance and control system technology." RAM is a supersonic, lightweight, quick reaction, fire-and-forget missile providing defense against anti-ship cruise missiles, helicopter and airborne threats, and hostile surface craft. The missile's autonomous dual-mode, passive radio frequency and infrared guidance design provides a high-firepower capability for engaging multiple threats simultaneously. Produced in partnership by Raytheon and RAMSYS of Germany, RAM is aboard nearly 100 ships as an integral self-defense weapon for the navies of the United States, Germany, Greece, Korea, Egypt, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. 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. Raytheon Company Related News....for full stories click on the links below Nov 23, 2009 Raytheon Awarded $241 Million for Zumwalt Software Development Nov 20, 2009 ThalesRaytheonSystems Delivers First New AN/TPQ-46B Radar to U.S. Marines Nov 19, 2009 Raytheon-Developed Unmanned Ground Control System Completes Major Milestone Nov 18, 2009 Raytheon and Xceedium Partner To Protect Critical Infrastructures Against Insider and External Threats Nov 17, 2009 Raytheon Selected to Supply Surveillance Systems for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Nov 16, 2009 Raytheon Completes Critical Design Review for CVN 78's Dual Band Radar Nov 16, 2009 TALON Laser-Guided Rocket Team Completes Environmental Test Flights Nov 15, 2009 Three Arab Nations Purchase Raytheon AMRAAM Nov 15, 2009 Raytheon Awarded $20 Million for Spares to Support Upgraded Kuwait Patriot Radar Systems Nov 12, 2009 Raytheon awarded $197 million for LPD 17 program Nov 10, 2009 Raytheon to Provide Cybersecurity Across Department of Defense Networks Nov 09, 2009 Raytheon Eyes International Contract Award for its F-16 AESA Radar