Raytheon, INDIANAPOLIS: Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC (RTSC), a subsidiary of Raytheon Company, has been awarded a $16 million contract under the Advanced Technology Support Program III for the development and limited production of 85 Multi-Function Color Display (MFCD) systems.
These units will upgrade A-10A aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, providing them with enhanced situational awareness capability and network connectivity. Work will be performed at RTSC's Indianapolis facility.
As a form-fit replacement for the current television monitor, the MFCD provides pilots with additional situational awareness and improved control of the A-10A targeting pod along with improving the image quality from the pod. The Multi-Function Color Display provides the battlefield networking capability that enables the pilots to identify friendly locations more readily, reducing the potential of fratricide incidents. By displaying sensor imagery at the maximum recognition range, the MFCD also allows the A-10s to operate effectively from a safer distance, contributing to increased aircraft survivability.
“Today's battle scenarios require that our aircraft have state-of-the-market technology to complete their missions safely,” said John Balaguer, RTSC vice president and general manager of RTSC's Indianapolis-based business unit. “For fielded platforms such as the A-10, achieving that level means working within existing aircraft conditions. Predicting the needs created by this situation, Raytheon has responded with appropriate solutions such as the MFCD that allow the U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard to take advantage of top technology, maintain readiness, and achieve mission success.
“Meeting this urgent need to provide precision weapon capability and digital datalink connectivity for the A-10 is one instance of our ability to assist our customers in managing obsolescence and to successfully respond to their quick-reaction requirements.”
RTSC provides technology solutions for defense, federal and commercial customers worldwide. It specializes in Mission Support, counter-proliferation and counter-terrorism, base and range operations and customized engineering services. Mission Support — Raytheon's integrated approach to providing total life-cycle support, predicting customer needs, sensing problems and proactively applying solutions — enables Raytheon to maintain readiness and deliver operational capability on demand, enhancing customer mission success.
Raytheon Company, with 2005 sales of $21.9 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people worldwide.
Background Notes and Information
The Multi-Function Color Display enables real-time use of data from the Situational Awareness Data Link/Enhanced Position Reporting Location System datalink overlayed on an embedded digital moving map. It also allows flexibility in mission planning and execution with its ability to store multiple map scales as well as imagery.
Its secure machine-to-machine image transfer capability permits effective coordination between the pilots and ground controllers similarly equipped. The display is both compatible with the night vision imagery system and readable in full sunlight. Programmable bezel keys allow multiple keypad arrangements for a variety of display formats.
An upgraded control stick grip provides more effective pilot-vehicle interface.
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