50.26 (-0.20) 
Measuring Precision Engagement in a Whole New Way
Last Updated: 10/10/2011*
Raytheon's portfolio of precision effects is designed to limit collateral damage
The ongoing conflict in Afghanistan has set the imperative for immediately available, all-weather precision effects for missions for critical dispersed operations. The warfighter has to complete these missions in an environment where insurgents operate in close proximity to noncombatants. Therefore, today's warfighter needs pinpoint precision with discrimination in order to achieve their missions. This pinpoint precision means troops can fire in close support of friendly forces, destroy targets in otherwise restricted areas and minimize collateral damage.
"Smart, precision weapons mean that the warfighter can carry out critical missions in an urban environment while limiting collateral damage,” said Michelle Lohmeier, Raytheon's vice president of Land Combat Systems.
Keeping the warfighter's need for precision in mind, Raytheon has changed the way it measures the precision of a weapon. By measuring the radial miss distance from the target, versus the Circular Error Probable (CEP), precision is measured in a way that is relevant to the missions the warfighter is conducting today.
A 30 meter CEP allows half the rounds to land more than 30 meters away or as much as 90 meters away. Those kinds of miss distances are unacceptable on the modern battlefield in close proximity to noncombatants or friendly forces.
"We've got to start thinking of precision in a whole new way," said Lohmeier. "We're used to thinking in terms of the circular error of probability, but precision is the way of the future. CEP doesn't limit collateral damage, nor does it keep our warfighters safe. Raytheon's portfolio of proven precision effects is not only effective, they've become essential for the protection of combat forces and civilians."
SHARE CONTENT
* The content on this page is classified as historical content. See this important information regarding such content.
