Raytheon Technologies Launches Cutting-Edge Smart Sensing Technology

Raytheon Technologies has proudly unveiled RAIVEN, an innovative electro-optical intelligent-sensing capability, designed to empower pilots with the ability to execute faster and more accurate threat detection.

RAIVEN can simultaneously recognize objects optically and spectrally in real-time — a feat that no single electro-optical/infrared, or EO/IR, system has accomplished until now.

RAIVEN can simultaneously recognize objects optically and spectrally in real-time — a feat that no single electro-optical/infrared, or EO/IR, system has accomplished until now.

RAIVEN’s ‘intelligent-sensing’ feature leverages artificial intelligence, hyperspectral imaging, and light detection and ranging, or LiDAR, allowing operators to visualize targets up to five times farther and more distinctly than conventional optical imaging. This enhancement significantly boosts platform survivability and grants the warfighter a decisive edge over comparable threats.

“The future battlefield will be characterized by a plethora of threats emerging from all angles, evolving at an unmatched velocity,” stated Torrey Cady, vice president of Surveillance and Targeting Systems at Raytheon Intelligence & Space. “RAIVEN enhances platform survivability and ensures the safety of the warfighter by delivering precise, continuous target monitoring combined with expedited information sharing. This synergy facilitates a decision-making process that simultaneously lightens pilot workload while hastening engagement decisions to neutralize targets much more swiftly than adversaries.”

With the integration of AI, RAIVEN amalgamates vast amounts of data into a comprehensive representation of the battlefield and its threats. The AI autonomously identifies and detects threats, offering a level of automation that enables the operator to determine necessary actions – providing a critical capability while significantly minimizing operator workload.

RAIVEN is a modular, open architecture that builds on the achievements of Raytheon Technologies’ battle-tested Multi-Spectral Targeting System sensor family. RAIVEN delivers more mission versatility and capability than ever before – all while maintaining the same size, weight, and power criteria.

The inaugural model of RAIVEN, the RT-1000, is capable of supporting a diverse range of operations, including the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift modernization initiative, with initial flight testing scheduled for 2024.

Development for this program is being conducted in McKinney, Texas.