SEASPARROW Surface Missile System for NATO

TEWKSBURY: Raytheon Company has been awarded a $17.8 million contract from the U.S. Navy and the NATO SEASPARROW Project Office for the company's MK57, MK29 and MK73 NATO SEASPARROW missile systems.

Under the contract, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) will assemble, test, and deliver components and support for the systems, which enable critical self-defense capabilities for U.S. and allied navy surface ships.

The MK57 NATO SEASPARROW Surface Missile System (NSSMS) is the primary self-defense weapons system installed on U.S. naval aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. As the solutions provider and Mission Systems Integrator for the MK57 NSSMS, Raytheon IDS provides the hardware and processing required for launch and control of the U.S. Navy's SEASPARROW and Evolved SEASPARROW (ESSM) self-defense missiles. Raytheon Missile Systems leads the cooperative development efforts for ESSM.

"The MK57 NSSMS is an advanced and affordable solution that our warfighters can depend on," said Raytheon IDS' Charles "Tom" Bush, vice president of Seapower Capability Systems. "We've worked very hard to ensure that we are delivering the most effective solution that accomplishes the mission the first time and every time."

The upgraded MK57 NSSMS integrates commercial off-the-shelf hardware for processing and displays, state-of-the-art microprocessors for signal processing, and new solid-state transmitter technology. The result is an open system that integrates seamlessly with IDS' Ship Self Defense System, optimizing the detect-to-engage capabilities with the advanced ESSM.

The contract includes the procurement, assembly, testing and delivery of ordnance alteration kits for the MK57 Mod 13 NSSMS, MK29 Mod 4 launcher and MK73 Mod 3 solid-state transmitter. Raytheon IDS will also provide associated spares and data for the systems.

Work will be performed at Raytheon's Seapower Capability Center, Portsmouth, R.I., and Integrated Air Defense Center, Andover, Mass.; Raytheon Canada Ltd., Waterloo, Canada; Miller Stuart Inc., Long Island, N.Y.; and Kuchera Defense Systems, Windber, Pa.

Changes made on U.S. naval aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships are due, in part, to accommodate the replacement of the RIM-7 SEASPARROW missile as a primary self-defense weapon with the ESSM (RIM-162) on these ships. The Canadian Navy, also transitioning to the ESSM on its Halifax-class of ships, plans to make changes to its supporting sensor systems as part of its Halifax Modernization Program. Raytheon is part of a team, led by General Dynamics Canada, currently competing for that project.

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Joint Battlespace Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

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 a history of innovation spanning more than 85 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.