 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Yuma Proving Ground AZ (SPX) Oct 26, 2010 Raytheon has flight-tested Small Tactical Munition, a new weapon specifically designed to be employed from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). STM is a 13-pound guided bomb that is approximately 2-feet long, making it the smallest bomb in the Raytheon family of weapons. The bomb's dual-mode, semiactive laser seeker and GPS-inertial navigation system enable the weapon to engage both fixed and moving targets around-the-clock, regardless of weather conditions. "Current combat operations have highlighted the need for extremely small, precise weapons that are optimally designed for remotely piloted aircraft," said Bob Francois, Raytheon vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems. "STM is part of a portfolio of weapons that meets the warfighter's need in this area." Raytheon flight tested two STM weapons on two separate passes from a Cobra UAS. The GPS-INS guided the weapons to a mid-course position where the semiactive laser seeker precisely guided the weapon to the target, achieving all test objectives. "Raytheon has been the world leader in weapons and aircraft weaponization for 60 years; developing a unique weapon for today's unmanned aircraft combat operations is a natural fit," added Francois.
earlier related report "This system provides critical information to U.S. and coalition forces," said Col Daryl Hauck, U.S. Air Force program executive officer for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces. "The day and night environment image quality that the targeting system provides to the warfighter is making a difference in the lives of our troops." The targeting system also employs a full-motion video camera for long-range surveillance and high-altitude acquisition, tracking and laser designation from a manned or unmanned aircraft. "Our solid partnership with the U.S. Air Force has enabled us to develop this unique system to meet demanding defense requirements," said Tim Carey, vice president for Raytheon's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance business. "With 1 million operational flight hours, the MTS delivers proven reliability and capability to the warfighter in operations around the world." Raytheon developed the electro-optical infrared system for use by the U.S. Air Force on the Predator unmanned aircraft. The company also supplies it to military forces throughout the world. MTS sensor solutions have been integrated on more than 16 platforms representing all DoD branches and Department of Homeland Security assets. Numerous MTS family sensors are flying aboard U.S. Air Force unmanned air systems, on helicopters in the Navy and special operations fleets.
Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links - UAV News - Suppliers and Technology
Lockheed Martin Submits Proposal For Cargo UAS Services RequestWashington DC (SPX) Oct 26, 2010 Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace have formally offered the K-MAX unmanned helicopter in response to a U.S. Naval Air Systems Command request for a cargo unmanned aircraft system. Earlier this year, the unmanned K-MAX system successfully demonstrated its ability to resupply troops in a simulated environment similar to forward operating bases in Afghanistan. Under a contract with th ... read more |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2010 - SpaceDaily. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
YahooMyWeb
Google
Facebook
