48.97 (+0.42) One of the attributes that distinguishes Raytheon scientists and engineers is the fact that they’re never completely satisfied with a particular solution. That’s because in today’s ever-changing global market, new customer requirements are always emerging.
With that in mind, Raytheon technologies are continuously evaluated based on customer feedback. Our finest minds are constantly engaged in developing more innovative ways to protect our freedoms and our way of life — whether it’s maintaining the security of our homeland or supporting the efforts of our service members overseas. The ultimate goal is to put new solutions into our warfighters’ hands as soon as possible, so they can apply them to the challenges posed by the battlefield of the 21st century.
Integrated Defense Systems (IDS)
Raytheon IDS is engaged in exploring alternate uses of Radio Frequency (RF) energy typically applied in radar and communications systems. One use was using RF energy to heat shale deep in the ground to extract more oil from 'spent' wells. IP for the application was sold to an oil exploration company which is further developing the technology as a new and environmentally friendly way to gain access to more oil that up to now was difficult and expensive to extract.
Intelligence and Information Systems (IIS)
Right now IIS is in the process of modernizing the U.S. Air Force’s distributed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems. The goal is to maximize operational effectiveness by creating a worldwide, network-centric enterprise that facilitates the distribution of the right information — at the right time. Called Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) 10.2, this real-time information sharing program is leading the way toward seamless interoperability among all military services using the open architecture, Web-based DCGS Integration Backbone (DIB). The DIB provides the core set of mission platform and CII/enterprise services necessary to enable DCGS nodes to share information across the DCGS enterprise. Raytheon’s DIB implementation is based on widely accepted commercial standards and proven technology that will promote the unrestricted sharing of data and processes among any connected application and data source in the enterprise.
Network Centric Systems (NCS)
Over the past 20 years Raytheon has been developing optical phased-arrays (OPAs), the optical analog of microwave phased-array antennas. These new optical components enable computer-programmable, all-electronic steering and focusing of laser beams — with no moving parts. Whereas microwave arrays may be as large as 10 stories tall for a high-resolution system, an optical phased-array will fit in the palm of your hand. OPAs also feature 1,000 times the resolution and 1,000 times the steering precision of microwave antennas. Raytheon is using this technology to leverage its development of advanced laser communications systems with markedly enhanced features. The company is currently supporting the government’s Transformational Communications Architecture initiative with architectural studies and technology development programs for high data rate optical links between geosynchronous satellites and high-altitude aircraft.
Raytheon Technical Services Company (RTSC)
Integrated solutions sets and total Mission Support enable network-centric operations that ensure our customers will be successful. Mission Support is Raytheon’s process to enable customer readiness by providing total life-cycle support that predicts customer needs, senses potential problems and responds proactively with appropriate solutions. The integrated solution sets leverage RTSC’s strengths as a Mission Systems Integrator and technology innovator to ensure our customers have products, systems and capabilities whenever and wherever they need them. They turn data into information, thus enabling acquisition, logistics and operational communities to make quick decisions during a program or system’s life cycle. This ensures that the right assets are in the right place, at the right time, every time.
Raytheon Missile Systems (RMS)
The future of innovative RMS technology is embodied in the Laser Area Defense System. LADS employs a solid state, fiber laser to counter threat rockets and mortars. In a 2006 demonstration, LADS destroyed static, 60mm mortars at ranges greater than 500 meters by focusing and holding a laser beam on the mortar. Plans call for integrating LADS into the Phalanx Close in Weapon System. This will provide warfighters with speed-of-light protection in the battlespace. The benefits include: instant and deep magazine capability, ability to defeat sustained engagements, complementary with existing kinetic solutions, 360 degree coverage, mission depth and flexibility, and reduced life cycle costs. Current LADS development includes the capability to hit moving targets.
Space and Airborne Systems (SAS)
A major part of SAS’ future plans is the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Incorporating state-of-the-art focal plane, optics and materials technologies, MODIS is the key instrument aboard Terra, the flagship satellite of NASA’s Earth Observing System. MODIS helps scientists develop interactive Earth system models by measuring the planet’s land, oceans and atmosphere. Every one to two days, it views Earth’s surface in its entirety, documenting global dynamics and processes. From its sun-synchronous polar orbit, MODIS acquires data in 36 spectral bands — from visible to long-wave infrared. Specific global survey data includes surface temperature, ocean color, vegetation and land surface cover conditions, cloud and aerosol properties, total atmospheric water vapor and total ozone measurements. This wide-field-of-view coverage of Earth’s surface makes possible a detailed understanding of global ecosystems, allowing policy-makers to develop appropriate environmental protection policies.
Staying True to Its Legacy
With 90 years of successful innovation as its legacy, Raytheon remains as determined as ever to lead the world in the development of cutting-edge technologies. Today, thanks to the ingenuity and hard work of the company’s many talented engineers, Raytheon is steadfastly working to develop these exciting new solutions.
Beechcraft is a trademark of Raytheon Aircraft Company.
Hawker is a registered trademark of BAE Systems, P.L.C
