Raytheon's Laser Guided Rocket Completes Wind Tunnel Test

TUCSON: Raytheon Company completed a Laser Guided Rocket wind tunnel test that produced both high fidelity flight simulations and data for development of the aerodynamic model required for autopilot design.

The LGR program is part of a cooperative development agreement with Emirates Advanced Investments of the United Arab Emirates. The agreement is for the development of a semi-active laser guided 70 mm (2.75 inch) rocket designed to provide increased precision and lethality compared with conventional, unguided rockets.

The four-day wind tunnel test included 542 runs in the Calspan Transonic Wind Tunnel in Buffalo, N.Y. The test was the first of many upcoming design verification events in the 24-month development and qualification program.

"This program is a potential model for Raytheon's global business template," said Richard Janik, Raytheon Missile Systems' LGR program director. "It has important financial, engineering and manufacturing ramifications for our international business efforts, our UAE partner and our customers."

The Raytheon-EAI cooperative development agreement includes a follow-on production proposal to manufacture LGR in both the U.S. and UAE.

"The Laser Guided Rocket program is an important venture for both our company and the UAE," said Hussain I. Al Hammadi, Emirates Advanced Investments' chief executive officer. "We're very pleased that the test results were so positive, as it has allowed us to progress on schedule and meet the next milestone objectives."

Emirates Advanced Investments, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was incorporated in 2005 to develop advanced technologies and high quality services through strategic global partnerships with world class manufacturing and service organizations.

Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.