Raytheon Introduces Multi-Purpose Loitering Missile System Concept Development Program
TUCSON, Ariz., April 3, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company is funding
and developing a Multi-Purpose Loitering Missile (MPLM) System that will fill
the joint fires capability gaps and meet the long war requirements engendered
by the global war on terrorism.
The system's airframe was successfully vertically launched in December
2005 at the Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division Land Range, China Lake,
Calif.
"We are extremely pleased with this development effort and the highly
successful first vertical launch demonstration of our MPLM missile concept
that is being developed to address joint fires capability gaps," said Harry
Schulte, vice president, Raytheon Missile Systems Strike product line. "This
success is a credit to the dedication and outstanding cooperation of the joint
Raytheon, China Lake, Aerojet and PacSci team pursuing and developing this
capability."
The MPLM system concept includes the use of the field operational Army
Field Artillery Tactical Data System command and control system, which bridges
the joint force and uses a state of the art composite airframe. The Raytheon-
funded concept will incorporate the use of a two way satellite data link to
allow designation to targets of greater priority while in flight and the use
of a seeker to reduce target location error.
The system will be capable of being launched from both vertical launch
systems (VLS) and self-contained canister launch systems. Raytheon brings
ship platform integration to the forefront with a design that will be
insensitive munition compliant, with plug and play options, including more
capable seekers and multiple payloads. The Raytheon approach also places
complete emphasis on all aspects of cost in order to minimize financial
impacts to the government if a multi-purpose loitering missile program goes
forward.
The Dec. 5, 2005, launch featured an MPLM airframe fired from a MK-14
ground launch canister. The Raytheon MPLM airframe was successfully launched
in a VLS configuration, demonstrating its ability to survive launch shock and
be boosted to a cruise altitude. This non-powered event also displayed
successful booster separation and aerodynamic descent with wings deployed.
The MPLM system is being developed at Raytheon's Missile Systems business
in Tucson, Ariz.