Raytheon and L-3 Communications have successfully fired Raytheon TALON laser-guided rockets from an L-3 remote weapon station using an LAU-68 launcher.

The test demonstrated that the lightweight remote weapon system can provide protection for small ships by incorporating the currently fielded launcher, sensor systems and TALON missiles.

"With the increase in swarming-boat threats, navies worldwide have an urgent need to protect their smaller ships," said Rick Nelson, vice president of Raytheon's Naval and Area Mission Defense product line.

"Combining our proven TALON LGR with L-3's Advanced Remote Weapon Station provides an affordable, effective and available solution. It also demonstrates our ability to reach across Raytheon's wide portfolio of products and team with companies around the globe to develop new solutions."

Designed to carry up to seven TALONS, the self-contained remote rocket weapon system incorporates an electro-optical sensor and laser designator, all weighing approximately 500 pounds.

It requires only a target queue to engage on-mount target tracking and can be integrated on ships ranging in size from riverine to major surface combatants.

"L-3 and Raytheon developed a versatile, lightweight and economical solution to provide protection against asymmetrical threats," said Dave Wessing, vice president and general manager of L-3 Integrated Optical Systems' Pittsburgh facility.