MCKINNEY, Texas, Oct. 3, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN)
has delivered the first U.S. Army Common Sensor Payload for the Armed
Reconnaissance Helicopter.
The first of 28 system design and development units awarded under an
indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract, the AN/AAS-53
electro-optical/infrared and laser sensor was shipped September 10 to Rockwell
Collins to begin software integration.
'Raytheon's CSP team delivered the first sensor on time per the original
contract, and we are currently tracking for early program performance overall
to get this important situational awareness asset to Army aviation sooner than
required,' said Paul Shofner, program manager for the AN/AAS-53. 'This new
sensor will provide improved capabilities to support the Army's
reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition mission demands.'
The turreted EO/IR sensor will include image intensified TV, a laser spot
tracker, a laser designator, an eye-safe laser range finder, and a laser
pointer. The AN/AAS-53 will also be electro-optical counter-countermeasures
compliant.
CSP is expected to flight test on ARH SDD-A surrogate aircraft in the
first quarter of 2009. The sensor payload is also intended to outfit the
Army's new Sky Warrior unmanned aircraft and other aviation platforms.
'The CSP program delivers RSTA mission efficiency and effectiveness
through sensor commonality' said Shofner. 'Beginning with common acquisition,
CSP provides common training, operation, display, and lifecycle support.'
Raytheon could produce as many as 875 units under the CSP IDIQ contract
let by the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command in November 2007, with
options valued up to $1.2 billion. CSP is manufactured at Raytheon's McKinney,
Texas site.
Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems is a leading provider of sensor
systems giving military forces the most accurate and timely actionable
information available for the network-centric battlefield. With 2007 revenues
of $4.3 billion and 12,000 employees, SAS is headquartered in El Segundo,
Calif. Additional facilities are in Goleta, Calif.; Forest, Miss.; Dallas,
McKinney and Plano, Texas; and several international locations.
Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology leader
specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets
throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86 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 72,000
people worldwide.
Contact:
Dave Desilets
972.952.2239
SOURCE Raytheon Company
