Raytheon to Build Next Generation Aircraft Terrain Avoidance Radar

Released on Wednesday, January 10, 2007

 

The U.S. Special

Operations Command has awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a $135.4

million contract to develop a new tactical radar for rotary and fixed-wing

aircraft.

Formally signed Dec. 12, 2006, and initially funded at $28.5 million,

the system design and development contract calls for Raytheon to build,

test and integrate the new Silent Knight radar. The system will serve as a

common multi-mode terrain following/terrain avoidance radar for a variety

of platforms including the MH-47G helicopter, the lead aircraft for the

program.

The cost plus incentive fee contract, potentially valued at more than

$164 million, contains an option for six low rate initial production units.

Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems is performing the work in Dallas and

McKinney, Texas. Principal partners include AIC, Crestview, Fla.; DRS

Technologies, St. Louis, Mo.; and Rockwell Collins, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

"This win continues Raytheon's leadership in the tactical radar

marketplace," said Mike Proch, vice president, Raytheon Precision, Attack

and Surveillance Systems. "For our special operations forces customer, that

means the expertise and experience to provide a low-risk, high-performance

radar that meets its demanding mission requirements."

The Silent Knight radar will allow airborne forces safe low-level

flight and safe ingress and egress in adverse environments. The system will

also provide navigation support, ground mapping and weather information to

air crews. The new radar will include advances in terrain following and

avoidance capabilities and will be lighter and require less power than

predecessors. As a common system, Silent Knight eventually will be fielded

on MH-60M, MC-130H, and CV-22 block 30 aircraft.

Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems is the leading provider of sensor

systems giving warfighters the most accurate and timely information

available for the network-centric battlefield. With 2005 revenues of $4.2

billion and 13,000 employees, SAS is headquartered in El Segundo, Calif.,

with additional facilities in Goleta, Calif.; Forest, Miss.; Dallas,

McKinney and Plano, Texas; and several international locations.

 

Source: Raytheon Wins $135.4 Million Silent Knight Radar Development Contract