Raytheon wins Barracuda system contract

Raytheon has received an $83 million contract to design, test and deploy the Barracuda mine neutralisation system for the US Naval Sea Systems Command, the company announced on 19 April.

Barracuda is an expendable AUV that can identify and neutralise bottom, near surface and drifting sea mines. With a shallow water capability, the modular neutraliser system will consist of a kill mechanism, propulsion, sensors and communications buoy that provides wireless communication to the deployment platform.

Paul Ferraro, vice president of Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems' Seapower Capability Systems business, said: 'We've applied our sonar expertise and our understanding of the complex undersea environment to Barracuda. It's an innovative solution for the navy's mine countermeasure mission and we are now one step closer to delivering.'

The work will be completed by November 2022. This contract also includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $363 million.