Raytheon Awarded Contract For Missile Launcher Production

A launcher on a CF-18 at Cold Lake Air Force base. Credit: Raytheon

by Staff Writers
Indianapolis IN (SPX) Nov 27, 2006
Raytheon Technical Services has been awarded a $12.8 million contract to produce LAU-115 and LAU-116 missile launchers in support of the U.S. Navy's F/A-18 E/F aircraft. The launchers provide the structural and electrical interfaces that allow the aircraft to carry and launch missiles such as Sparrow, Sidewinder and AMRAAM.

Under the contract, RTSC will produce, assemble and test the launchers at its Indianapolis facility. This award follows similar production awards in 2004 and 2005. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Raytheon has a long history of developing engineering solutions; integrating state-of-the-art technologies; and providing manufacturing, logistics and technical support in the repair and upgrade of a significant percentage of the missile launchers and bomb racks used by the U.S. Navy.

"Over the course of the previous LAU-115 and LAU-116 production awards, we realized improvements such as an upgraded technical data package that is in accordance with the new Navy standards and reduced delivery schedule times through the development of new suppliers," said John Balaguer, RTSC vice president and general manager of RTSC's Indianapolis-based business unit. "RTSC continues to develop these kinds of proactive solutions that help ensure the availability of F/A-18 E/F aircraft when and where they are needed."

RTSC provides technology solutions for defense, federal and commercial customers worldwide. It specializes in Mission Support, counter-proliferation and counter-terrorism, base and range operations and customized engineering services and manufacturing.

The Sparrow Missile, AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile), and AIM-9 Sidewinder are all developed by Raytheon Missile Systems. The Sparrow Missile is a medium-range, all-weather, all-aspect, semi-active guided missile used in multiple roles. AMRAAM provides operational flexibility and multi-shot capability and can be launched at an enemy aircraft day or night and in all weather. The AIM-9 Sidewinder is an advanced infrared-tracking, short-range, air-to-air missile.

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the Navy's newest operational multi-mission tactical aircraft, is highly capable across its full mission spectrum from long-range, sea-based air dominance to "through the weather" deep-strike interdiction. Compared to the earlier F/A-18 models, the F/A-18E/F has longer range, the ability to refuel other aircraft, increased survivability and lethality and improved carrier suitability.

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