Raytheon to build microwave antenna system to defeat airborne threats
Deliveries of the systems will be expected in FY2024 and FY2026. (Photo: Raytheon)
Raytheon will build two systems for the US Navy and US Air Force as part of the DARPA Directed Energy Front-line Electromagnetic Neutralization and Defeat (DEFEND) programme.
Raytheon, an RTX business, will design, build and test two high-power microwave (HPM) antenna systems that will use directed energy to defeat airborne threats at the speed of light. The systems will be designed to be rugged and transportable for front-line deployment.
Under the three-year, US$31.3 million contract from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, Raytheon will deliver prototype systems to the US Navy (USN) and US Air Force (USAF) as part of the DEFEND programme.
Colin Whelan, president of Raytheon Advanced Technology, said: ‘The new iterations of Raytheon’s high-power microwave systems are cost-effective and reliable solutions that operate at the speed of light – [providing better defence] against faster and more manoeuvrable threats.’
Work will be conducted in coordination with the USAF Research Lab, USN Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and the undersecretary of defense for research and engineering.
The new HPM prototype systems build on Raytheon's decades of experience developing capabilities such as the Counter-Electronic High Power Microwave Extended Range Air Base Defense, known as CHIMERA.
Prototypes will be expected to be delivered in FY2024 and FY2026.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Pearson Engineering remote mine-clearance system ploughs on]()
Pearson Engineering remote mine-clearance system ploughs on
The Weevil system is built around the Beacon remote control and a Pearson mine-plough. It is being evaluated on a British Army Warrior infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) but could be used for other platforms.
-
![Hanwha Defence Australia continues rush of deal signings as it picks up speed with Redback]()
Hanwha Defence Australia continues rush of deal signings as it picks up speed with Redback
Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) has signed a deal with the UK’s Pearson Engineering for combat dozer blades for Redbacks, a contract which follows an engine contract and hull production contract in the past fortnight.
-
![Polaris bets on the Arctic market with over-snow reconnaissance vehicle]()
Polaris bets on the Arctic market with over-snow reconnaissance vehicle
The military 850 Titan 155 is described by the company as an “all-new” over-snow reconnaissance vehicle (OSRV).
-
![Australia inducts new QinetiQ EOD robots and 9mm pistols into service]()
Australia inducts new QinetiQ EOD robots and 9mm pistols into service
The new inductions will add significantly to the ADF’s infantry capabilities, especially during in-combat explosive ordnance disposal situations.
