Published:
Excalibur's Low-cost Titanium Base Tested in Harshest Anticipated Gun Environment
SOCORRO, N.M., Sept. 3, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN)
fired two Excalibur precision-strike artillery projectiles equipped with
low-cost titanium (Ti) bases at the maximum charge level possible Aug. 7 as
part of design testing for the new projectile.
Modular Artillery Charge System-5 is the maximum charge level for U.S.
Paladin and M777 howitzers. Projectiles must be fired at this charge level to
achieve their longest range. At MACS-5, Excalibur reached a range exceeding 40
kilometers (more than 24 statute miles) using U.S. artillery systems.
"When the commander needs cannon artillery, the Excalibur can achieve
precision with discrimination at ranges we have not seen in the past," said
Kevin Byrnes, vice president of Raytheon's Army programs. "This is a
game-changer for soldiers deployed toIraq andAfghanistan who fire Excalibur
in combat operations."
The new Excalibur design uses fewer parts and requires simpler
manufacturing, resulting in lower costs and increased reliability.
"The additional range achieved with MACS-5 will give more flexibility to
maneuver commanders," said Steve Bennett, director of Raytheon's Excalibur
program. "Success at the highest charge level is critical to meeting the
warfighter's needs."
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 86 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 inWaltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000
people worldwide.
Contact:
Heather Uberuaga
520.665.5594
uberuaga@raytheon.com
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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