“Raytheon’s Comprehensive Defense Solutions Unveiled at DIMDEX: Safeguarding Land, Sea, and Air”

In an era where security concerns are paramount, the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition stands as a pivotal platform for showcasing defense technologies.

Scheduled for March 29-31, 2016, DIMDEX in Qatar will highlight the urgent need for enhanced maritime security across the Middle East and North Africa. Raytheon is set to make a significant impact at this event, unveiling advanced technologies aimed at safeguarding vital maritime assets from an array of threats. Attendees will gain insights into Raytheon’s multifaceted defense systems, extending beyond maritime domains to include shore-based interceptors and advanced radar systems designed to combat the escalating hazards posed by ballistic missiles.

AT SEA

Raytheon’s SeaRAM ship defense system is engineered to protect vessels operating near coastal areas. This innovative system deploys supersonic, self-guided Rolling Airframe Missiles, effectively neutralizing close-range threats, including anti-ship missiles, helicopters, aircraft, and surface vessels.

In January, Raytheon successfully conducted the inaugural intercept test of the Block 2 variant of RAM during a live-fire exercise with the U.S. Navy at China Lake, California. A couple of months later, a guided missile destroyer executed a RAM missile launch from a SeaRAM system for the first time.

“Our mission extends beyond merely defending our allies’ naval assets; we aim to strengthen partnerships,” stated Alan Davis, RAM program director.

Another essential component of maritime self-defense is the Griffin system, a precision-guided mini-missile actively deployed on the U.S. Navy’s Cyclone-class patrol ships in the Persian Gulf. At just 33 pounds and 42 inches in length, the Griffin is versatile enough to combat a range of maritime threats, including fast-moving small craft, making it suitable for multiple environments—sea, land, and air.

Four versions of Griffin exist: Griffin A (aft-eject), Griffin B (forward-firing), Griffin C (dual-mode guidance and in-flight retargeting), and Griffin C-ER (extended range). Each variant is equipped with GPS-aided inertial guidance, semi-active laser seekers, and an intuitive user interface to facilitate flexible operations.

In January, the U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon an $85.5 million contract for additional Griffin A and B missiles, enhancing the air defense capabilities of various military platforms, including the C-130 Hercules.

ON SHORE

The Stinger weapon system, proven through four major conflicts, is currently utilized by over 18 nations and across all branches of the U.S. military.

“Stinger is the weapon of choice for quick responses against diverse aerial threats, safeguarding both fixed installations and mobile forces,” noted Jack Elliot, Raytheon’s Stinger program director. “Our latest version features a reprogrammable microprocessor, boosting its success rate against advanced threats to over 90%.”

With its supersonic speed, agility, and accurate guidance system, Stinger holds a significant edge against cruise missiles and various aircraft types. This lightweight, portable air defense system can be swiftly deployed by ground troops and military assets, including Apache helicopters engaged in air-to-air operations.

IN THE SKY

The threat of ballistic missiles continues to evolve, yet our defense solutions are advancing in tandem.

“We tailor our radar systems to meet the distinct needs dictated by each region, nation, and specific threats,” explained Dave Gulla, vice president of Mission Systems and Sensors at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems.

The AN/FPS-132 Early Warning Radar is engineered to detect missile launches from thousands of miles away, offering critical preemptive warning to command centers and fire control systems.

“This reliable radar requires minimal staffing yet delivers year-round, around-the-clock coverage, encompassing 360 degrees up to 5,000 kilometers,” remarked Dr. Steve Sparagna, chief engineer for the AN/FPS-132 EWR, noting its efficacy in identifying hostile missile launches.

The AN/TPY-2 radar is regarded as one of the most formidable ballistic missile defense systems today, adept at discerning a single threat amidst numerous objects in the air.

Tom Laliberty, vice president of business development at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, emphasized the radar’s effectiveness when integrated with the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) interceptor. “The potential for enhanced overall protection is substantial for both U.S. warfighters and our international allies,” stated Laliberty.

SM-3 exemplifies the evolution of missile defense systems. Historically launched from Aegis ships, its capabilities have expanded to land-based sites in Romania, which can also defend critical locations in the Middle East and Japan.

“This adaptability allows various nations to leverage this capability for their national defense needs,” reiterated Dean Gehr, director of Raytheon’s Land-based Standard Missile program.

The combination of SM-3 and AN/TPY-2 constitutes an ‘upper-tier’ missile defense strategy. In contrast, ‘lower-tier’ threats that target urban areas, military bases, and essential infrastructure are effectively managed by the Patriot system, offering long-range, high-altitude, all-weather defense.

The Patriot missile defense system has proven itself in over 200 combat engagements and is the defense system of choice for 13 nations, including several members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Raytheon has recently introduced a new radar prototype for the Patriot system, utilizing gallium nitride (GaN) technology to enhance its active electronically scanned array capabilities. This advancement significantly boosts operational effectiveness while reducing costs substantially.