January 13, 2010
Program set for critical design review, engineering and manufacturing development
TUCSON, Ariz., -- The U.S. Air Force and Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) completed the first free-flight test of the Miniature Air Launched Decoy-Jammer. The completion of this flight test sets the stage for a critical design review in 2010 and the conclusion of Phase II risk reduction.
The MALD-J™ adds radar-jamming capability to the basic MALD platform. MALD is a state-of-the-art, low-cost flight vehicle that is modular, air-launched and programmable. It weighs less than 300 pounds and has a range of approximately 500 nautical miles (about 575 statute miles).
"Achieving this milestone proves MALD-J has a technology readiness level 7 and sets the stage for the system to enter engineering and manufacturing development," said Ken Watson, the U.S. Air Force's MALD program manager.
MALD-J recently completed numerous captive carry test missions and a milestone C decision - the decision to go into production - is expected in early 2011.
"The modular MALD-J gives the warfighter expendable, stand-in jamming capability," said Scott Muse, Raytheon's MALD program director. "MALD-J will eliminate or reduce the need to send aircrews into danger to conduct suppression of enemy air defense missions."
Note to Editors:
More than 125 Raytheon employees design and build the MALD and MALD-J in Tucson, Ariz.; Goleta, Calif.; and El Segundo, Calif.
Hundreds of employees in scores of businesses across the U.S. design and manufacture MALD and MALD-J components. Major suppliers include: AML Communications, Camarillo, Calif.; AUSCO, Port Washington, N.Y.; BAE, Berthoud, Colo.; CEI, Sacramento, Calif.; Celestica, Austin, Texas; Eagle Pitcher, Joplin, Mo.; EDO, Bohemia, N.Y.; Enser, Pinellas Park, Fla.; Engineered Fabrics Corp, Rockmart, Ga.; GDOTS, Redmond, Wash.; Hamilton-Sundstrand, Rockford, Ill.; Hamilton-Sundstrand, San Diego, Calif.; LaBarge, Joplin, Mo.; Moog, East Aurora, N.Y.; Tecom, Westlake Village, Calif.
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EW (Electronic Warfare), Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), USAF (US Air Force)
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