Raytheon gets set for US rocket cargo missions
Raytheon BBN will develop mission planning and C2 concepts for rocket cargo applications. (Photo: US DoD)
Under the US Air Force's 2030 Science & Technology Strategy, Raytheon will develop rocket cargo mission planning and C2 systems.
The USAF has awarded Raytheon BBN, a subsidiary of Raytheon Intelligence & Space, a contract to develop rocket cargo mission planning and C2 systems.
The contract, announced on 17 January, has a potential value of $8.7 million over four years and is part of the air force's 2030 Science & Technology Strategy’s transformational science and technology portfolio.
During an initial 30-month period, Raytheon BBN will develop mission planning and C2 concepts, identify and develop initial rocket cargo workflows and processes and will design human-machine interfaces based on cognitive engineering.
Related Articles
Technodinamika develops satellite-guided cargo parachute
How cargo containers for UAVs can improve resupply capabilities
Northrop Grumman to fulfil full GMLRS rocket motor production
The company will also identify coordination points across mission-planning and C2 stakeholders and propose solutions to address gaps in knowledge, organisations and processes.
‘The tool we create must enable the air force to plan, coordinate and conduct a rocket cargo mission within hours,’ said Beth DePass, Raytheon BBN principal investigator for the project, in a statement.
‘At its core, this is a logistics challenge of epic proportions. Although the cargo would initially be pre-packaged and stored at the launch site for rapid loading, there are still tremendous challenges with how the DoD will safely load, launch, and deliver under very tight timing constraints,’ she continued.
‘We will be taking into consideration pre-flight testing, weather conditions, launch approvals, and many other variables, to deliver that cargo precisely where it’s needed, when it’s needed, faster than current delivery methods. We will iterate with multiple DoD stakeholders, the air force, and the space force to ensure we have the best solution to one of their greatest challenges.’
More from Air Warfare
-
![CH-47 Chinook: why the iconic helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender (updated 2026)]()
CH-47 Chinook: why the iconic helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender (updated 2026)
From its emergence as a ground-breaking design in the 1950s to its widespread deployment in diverse operations worldwide, the Chinook continues to leave an indelible mark on the aviation landscape. Shephard sums up the helicopter’s latest developments.
-
![US Air Force to increase JASSM anti-interference and accuracy capabilities]()
US Air Force to increase JASSM anti-interference and accuracy capabilities
The USAF is conducting market research to inform the procurement process for a new GPS/GNSS M-code receiver for the JASSM.
-
![UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities]()
UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities
Project Nightfall and Project Octopus both fall under the Lyra programme, with UK industry working to develop and deliver additional missiles and drones to help bolster Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities against Russia.
-
![How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense]()
How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense
Modern C-UAS solutions must detect threats early, integrate layered sensors, and deliver fast, scalable, adaptable defense against evolving drones.
-
![US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies]()
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.
-
![How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics]()
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
