PARIS: Raytheon Company’s Joint Standoff Weapon C-1 completed a major milestone when the weapon’s Strike Common Weapon Datalink communicated between two Link-16 nodes. The test demonstrated the weapon’s ability to function as a node on the network.
JSOW is a family of low-cost air-to-ground weapons that employs an integrated GPS/Inertial Navigation System and terminal infrared seeker that guide the weapon to the target. JSOW C-1 adds moving maritime target capability and the two-way Rockwell Collins Strike Common Weapon Datalink to the combat-proven weapon. Raytheon has received a full rate production contract for the JSOW C-1 from the U.S. Navy and will reach initial operational capability in 2010.
“This test proves the integrated JSOW C-1 team is on track to providing the warfighter with connectivity and interoperability between sensor platforms, shooting platforms and weapons,” said Capt. Mat Winter, the U.S. Navy’s Precision Strike Weapon program manager. “I am confident that we will deliver this key capability to the fleet on schedule.”
The May 6 test was part of the U.S. Navy’s Joint Surface Warfare Joint Capability Technology Demonstration. During the demonstration, the JSOW C-1’s Strike Common Weapon Datalink received and replied to in-flight target updates from a simulated P-3 Orion aircraft’s Littoral Surveillance Radar System.
“The SCWDL has already demonstrated the capability to communicate between the weapon and an F/A-18 fighter aircraft; testing it with a P-3 demonstrates the versatility of the weapon,” said Phyllis McEnroe, Raytheon’s JSOW program director. “The test also proves the technology in JSOW C-1 is extremely mature.”
Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.
