Tag Archives: Raytheon Technologies

Air, Air Force, Fighters, Missiles & Guided Weapons, Rocket

AMRAAM missiles

Raytheon Technologies was awarded a $1.15 billion contract for AIM-120 D-3 and C-8 AMRAAM missiles. This is the largest AMRAAM missile contract to date and the fifth production lot of the highly advanced missiles developed under the Form, Fit, Function Refresh, also known as F3R, which updates both the missile’s hardware and allows for Agile software upgrades.

AIM-120 D-3 AMRAAM
An AIM-120 D-3 sits at Raytheon’s Tucson, Arizona plant. The AIM-120 D-3 is the latest variant of the combat-proven AMRAAM, developed under the Form, Fit, Function refresh, known as F3R

«We recognize AMRAAM is the most advanced, combat-proven missile, and we owe it to the warfighters to ensure they have the technology they need when they need it», said Paul Ferraro, president of Air Power for Raytheon. «Be it air-to-air or surface-to-air, AMRAAM continues its proud legacy with greater power and precision than ever before with this contract».

In addition to providing missiles to both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, the contract also supplies AMRAAM all-up-rounds and/or spares to 18 countries, including Ukraine, extending the production line for both the U.S. and Allied partners.

Under the F3R program, engineers used model-based systems engineering initiatives and other digital technologies to upgrade multiple circuit cards and other hardware in the guidance section of the missile and to re-host legacy software in the AIM-120 D-3 and AIM-120 C-8 AMRAAMs.

Air, Air Force, Fighters, Rocket

571 Sidewinder

Raytheon Technologies was awarded a $264 million modification to a production Lot 23 contract originally awarded in December 2022. Under the modification, Raytheon, an RTX business, will produce and deliver 571 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles and associated parts for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and foreign military sales customers.

AIM-9X Sidewinder
Raytheon Technologies awarded $264 million U.S. Navy modification contract to produce AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles

«AIM-9X Sidewinder is the world’s most advanced, combat-proven infrared missile, providing advanced capabilities to the U.S. and our international allies», said Kim Ernzen, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. «The weapon’s versatility and inherent growth potential makes it a triple-threat missile offering an unmatched level of lethality and survivability to counter threats».

Included in the modification, Raytheon will also provide captive air training systems, containers, spare assets, and related kits and support equipment. The majority of work will be performed within the continental U.S. and is expected to be completed in August 2026.

The AIM-9X Sidewinder missile is a triple-threat missile that can be used for air-to-air engagements, surface-attack, and surface-launch missions without modifications. A U.S. Navy-led joint program with the U.S. Air Force, the AIM-9X Sidewinder also has 31 Foreign Military Sales partners. The advanced infrared-tracking, short-range missile is combat proven in several theaters around the world.

Ground Forces

H4 laser weapon

Last fall, the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and Raytheon Technologies successfully tested the Air Force’s first palletized high-energy laser weapon during four days of continuous live-fire exercises at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

H4 laser weapon
Palletized 10kW laser can be moved and mounted anywhere

The new palletized laser weapon was the first 10-kilowatt laser built to U.S. military specifications in a stand-alone configuration that can be moved and mounted anywhere it’s needed. Known as «H4», it is the fourth operational laser weapon system that Raytheon Technologies has delivered to the Air Force and is the eighth total system the company has delivered to the U.S. Department of Defense.

The palletized laser weapon, aimed at protecting people and assets against short-range aerial threats, passed the Air Force’s Test and Assessment plan. This included multiple days of live-fire exercises to acquire, target, track and destroy drone targets in short-range attack, swarm attack, and long-range threat scenarios.

«Anywhere the Air Force sees a threat from drones, they now have four proven laser weapons that can be deployed to stop asymmetrical threats», said Michael Hofle, senior director of High-Energy Lasers at Raytheon Technologies. «Whether it’s on a fixed location, a flatbed or even a pickup, these laser weapons are compact, rugged and ready to go. That’s why we’re proud to support the Air Force’s effort to provide this new tech to the personnel who need it in the field, who can trust and be confident in the system’s capabilities».

Small enough to fit in the bed of a pickup truck, the laser weapon system comprises a high-energy laser weapon module, a long-range Electro-Optical and InfraRed (EO/IR) sensor that also serves as the beam director, thermal control, internal electrical power, and targeting software – all packaged together for use in the toughest combat environments. It is operated with a laptop and a video game-style controller, and it can plug into a long list of existing air defense, and command and control systems to provide a needed layer of defense.

The palletized laser weapon system was built in the world’s first laser weapon factory in McKinney, Texas, and delivered to the Life Cycle Management Center nine months after receipt of order.

Air

Oxygen supply system

Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business, introduced its OXYJUMP NG oxygen supply system for use in high altitude jumps by parachutists. The OXYJUMP NG system’s breakthrough technology enhances mission capabilities with a longer gliding distance, improves jumper safety, is easy to use and contains significant size and weight advantages over legacy systems.

OXYJUMP NG
Advanced technology provides advantages for special operations missions – enabling longer glide duration on higher altitude jumps, maximizing oxygen use and reducing system weight

Existing oxygen supply systems are limited in extended high-altitude operations, restricting the effectiveness and reach of parachute missions.

Utilizing Collins’ oxygen pulse technology – already certified by one NATO country – the OXYJUMP NG system provides customers with a smaller, lighter weight solution which automatically adjusts oxygen levels to enable longer mission profiles.

«The OXYJUMP NG system gives allied armed forces the stealth, readiness and safety necessary to complete the most complex jumps on earth», said Brad Haselhorst, vice president and general manager of Military, Safety and Cargo Systems at Collins Aerospace. «The OXYJUMP NG system not only keeps up with the evolving nature of combat jumps, but it’s ready for use today».

Designed for comfort and ease of use, the OXYJUMP NG system operates automatically and includes an ergonomically designed mask to comfortably and securely fit against the face, giving users peace of mind and keeping them focused on their most critical tasks.

Collins Aerospace’s OXYJUMP NG system will be on display at SOF Week in Tampa, Florida at booth L910.

Ground Forces

NexGen Optix

Raytheon Technologies, announced the launch of NexGen Optix, a tactical Free-Space Optical Communications system that enables high-speed, secure data transfer in challenging environments.

NexGen Optix
NexGen Optics provides the warfighter with high-bandwidth, high-speed, secure communications in a rugged lightweight package for field deployment

NexGen Optix, developed by Raytheon Blackbird Technologies, provides greater bandwidths in a form factor that is smaller, weighs less, uses less power and costs less than conventional optical systems and can securely send more data within the same bandwidth over longer distances. The system uses lasers instead of radio frequencies as a means of communication, which makes the signal less susceptible to detection, interference and jamming.

«NexGen Optix represents a significant advancement in secure communication and shared networking technology», said Troy Smith, director of Raytheon Blackbird Technologies. «We’ve developed a solution that enables organizations to communicate effectively in challenging environments where traditional communication systems may not be reliable».

The ultra-low Size, Weight and Power-Cost (SWaP-C) communications has been optimized for peer and near-peer operational environments and provides rapid, secure communication and connectivity. Offering a tactical advantage to forces, the system has been tested and approved during U.S. government exercises.

In addition to its high-speed data transfer capabilities, NexGen Optix is lightweight and portable, making it easy to deploy in the field. The system is also designed with rugged components that can withstand harsh environmental conditions, ensuring reliability even in the most extreme situations.

Air

RAIVEN

Raytheon Technologies on April 24, 2023 announced the launch of RAIVEN, a revolutionary electro-optical intelligent-sensing capability, which will enable pilots to have faster and more precise threat identification.

RAIVEN
Raytheon Technologies unveils next-generation electro-optical intelligent-sensing capability

RAIVEN can identify objects optically and spectrally simultaneously in real-time – a single Electro-Optical/InfraRed, or EO/IR, system has never been able to do this before.

RAIVEN’s ‘intelligent-sensing’ capability uses artificial intelligence, hyperspectral imaging, and light detection and ranging, or LiDAR, to enable operators to see up to five times farther and clearer than traditional optical imaging. This helps increase platform survivability and gives the warfighter decision advantage over peer threats.

«The future battlespace will consist of a myriad of threats from all directions evolving at an unprecedented pace», said Torrey Cady, vice president of Surveillance and Targeting Systems at Raytheon Intelligence & Space. «RAIVEN improves platform survivability and keeps the warfighter safe by providing accurate, persistent target observation coupled with accelerated information sharing. This combination enables a decision-making process that simultaneously reduces pilot workload while accelerating engagement decisions to prosecute targets much faster than adversaries».

Paired with AI, RAIVEN synthesizes reams of data into a detailed picture of the battlespace and the threats within it. The AI automatically detects and identifies threats, delivering a level of automation for the operator to choose what decisions need to be made – providing a critical capability while drastically reducing operator workload.

RAIVEN is a modular, open system that builds upon the successes of Raytheon Technologies’ combat-proven Multi-Spectral Targeting System family of sensors. RAIVEN provides more mission versatility and capability than ever before – all within the same size, weight and power specifications.

The first version of RAIVEN, RT-1000, can support a wide array of missions, including the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift modernization effort, with the first flight test being conducted in 2024.

Work for this program is being done in McKinney, Texas.

Air, Air Force, Fighters, Missiles & Guided Weapons, Rocket

Most advanced AMRAAM

The U.S. Air Force has completed the Functional Configuration Audit, or FCA, of the latest variant of Raytheon Technologies’ Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile. The AMRAAM AIM-120D-3 is on-track toward fielding by both the Air Force and Navy this year.

AIM-120D-3
Most advanced AMRAAM variant, AIM-120D-3, completes critical milestone for operational use

The AIM-120D-3 features modernized hardware, including 15 upgraded circuit cards developed with model-based systems engineering initiatives under the Form, Fit, Function Refresh program, and uses the latest System Improvement Program-3F software. The missile brings tremendous capability to counter both current and future threats and is postured to receive continuous Agile software enhancements through upcoming SIP efforts.

«Integrated on 14 platforms in 42 countries, AMRAAM is the only fielded air-to-air weapon with the ability to counter peer threats at extended range», said Paul Ferraro, president of Air Power, Raytheon Missiles & Defense. «The AIM-120D-3 takes the known and trusted AMRAAM to the next level to meet the evolving needs of the warfighter and combatant commanders».

The AIM-120D-3 Functional Configuration Audit follows a test program encompassing captive carry missions, platform bench testing and a series of live firings from multiple Air Force and Navy platforms – proving out the weapon’s effectiveness. F3R testing continues with the AIM-120 C-8 variant – designed for international customers – with FCA expected on that version later this year.

All AMRAAMs planned for production are D3 or C8 variants incorporating the F3R functionality.

Ground Forces, Radars

Low-cost effectors

Raytheon Technologies was awarded a $237 million U.S. Army contract for Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensors (KuRFS) and Coyote effectors to detect and defeat unmanned aircraft.

Coyote
As part of the U.S. Army’s Low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft Integrated Defeat System, called LIDS, KuRFS provides advanced 360-degree threat detection, while Coyote low-cost effectors defeat drones

The contract includes a combination of fixed-site and mobile systems as well as a quantity of effectors, designated to support the Army’s U.S Central Command operations.

As part of the U.S. Army’s Low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft Integrated Defeat System, called LIDS, KuRFS provides advanced 360-degree threat detection, while Coyote low-cost effectors defeat drones.

«The KuRFS radar and Coyote effectors effectively detect and defeat unmanned aircraft systems, an increasingly evident and global threat», said Tom Laliberty president of Land Warfare & Air Defense at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. «DS is operationally deployed, providing a proven, reliable, and essential layer of defense against enemy drones».

KuRFS precision targeting radar and the scaled Ku720 mobile sensing radar deliver persistent detection, identification and tracking of airborne threats. The Coyote Block 2 defeats single drones and swarms varying in size and maneuverability, and at higher altitudes and longer ranges than similar class systems.

The U.S. Army’s LIDS integrates KuRFS and the Coyote family of effectors with Northrop Grumman’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control system, or FAADC2, and Syracuse Research Corporation’s electronic warfare system. Together, these systems create a multi-mission fixed, relocatable, or mobile deployed system that provides a complete extended-range defense solution.

Raytheon Technologies awarded $237 million counter-UAS contract

Air Force, Missiles & Guided Weapons

StormBreaker

The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon Technologies a $320 million contract to produce and deliver 1500 GBU-53/B StormBreaker smart weapons, which are air-to-surface, network enabled weapons that can engage moving targets in all weather conditions using its multi-effects warhead and tri-mode seeker.

StormBreaker
Raytheon Technologies awarded $320 million for GBU-53/B StormBreaker smart weapon

«Having StormBreaker in the warfighter’s arsenal provides unprecedented capability against moving targets, regardless of conditions», said Paul Ferraro, president of Air Power at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. «It also expands our production line and reinforces our commitment of ensuring the warfighter has the next-level munitions they need to safely and successfully accomplish the mission».

GBU-53/B StormBreaker is fielded on the F-15E Strike Eagle with testing underway on the F-35B Lightning II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet; between the three platforms, GBU-53/B StormBreaker has had hundreds of successful operational test shots to date.

Radars

Over-the-horizon radar

The U.S. Navy selected Raytheon Technologies, to be the lead systems integrator for the improved maritime enhancements to the relocatable over-the-horizon radar, which will provide long range detection to prevent drugs from entering the United States.

ROTHR
Raytheon Technologies selected as lead systems integrator for maritime over-the-horizon radar

As the lead systems integrator, Raytheon is responsible for integrating the hardware and software of the radar, which includes digital receivers, high power transmitters, advance maritime tracking capability, and advanced clutter mitigation. These capabilities, when combined, will be able to identify and track ships or aircraft up to 3000 kilometers/1864 miles away that may be attempting to bring drugs into the United States.

«As a leading defense integrator with more than 30 years of experience working with over-the-horizon radars, Raytheon Missiles & Defense is uniquely positioned to lead the systems integration for the Maritime capability», said Paul Ferraro, president of Air Power, Raytheon Missiles & Defense. «Across the company, we are continuing to improve our technologies and capabilities to provide next-level solutions and over-the-horizon radars are no exception».

Raytheon is the original equipment manufacturer on the ROTHR system. Since deploying the Relocatable Over-the-Horizon Radar, ROTHR, in the 1990s, for the U.S. Navy, Raytheon Technologies continues to provide key integration, sustainment, operations, and advancements for ROTHR.