RTX Raytheon's GhostEye® MR proves operational readiness during U.S. Air Force exercise

Rhea-AI Summary

Raytheon (RTX) and partners demonstrate operational performance of GhostEye MR sensor for National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) in partnership with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace

Insights

Defense Industry Analyst

The recent demonstration of the GhostEye® MR radar's capabilities by Raytheon in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace represents a significant advancement in air base air defense technology. The successful integration and performance during an extended exercise at White Sands Missile Range could potentially lead to increased demand for Raytheon's advanced sensor systems within the defense sector.

From a defense industry perspective, this development is crucial as it showcases the ability to enhance the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) with a medium-range sensor capable of addressing sophisticated aerial threats. The defense market is highly competitive and continuously evolving with the introduction of new technologies. Raytheon's investment in internal research and development to create the GhostEye MR radar could solidify its position as a key player in the air defense segment, potentially leading to an increase in market share and influencing stock market performance positively.

Moreover, the GhostEye MR radar's commonality with the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) could lead to cost efficiencies and streamlined production processes for Raytheon, which can have favorable financial implications. The successful demonstration may also prompt further government contracts, which are a crucial revenue stream for defense companies.

Military Technology Expert

The integration of GhostEye MR with the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) and its successful operation in a live threat scenario is a critical step in modernizing air base defense capabilities. The sensor's ability to provide a comprehensive air picture and support simulated engagements enhances the decision-making process in threat response, which is vital for maintaining air superiority in conflict zones.

This technology's impact on the U.S. Air Force and allied nations could be substantial, as it provides a more robust defense against a variety of aerial threats, including enemy aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems and cruise missiles. The increased standoff and decision-making time afforded by the sensor's longer range and precision tracking capabilities represent a tactical advantage, potentially altering the strategic calculus of both defense planners and adversaries.

GhostEye MR's successful demonstration not only validates the sensor's operational readiness but also its potential to be rapidly deployed. This aligns with modern military doctrines emphasizing mobility, adaptability and quick response to threats. As such, the successful integration of this sensor into NASAMS could influence defense procurement strategies and international partnerships, further impacting the global defense landscape.

Financial Analyst

The announcement of Raytheon's successful demonstration of the GhostEye MR sensor is likely to be viewed positively by investors and could have a favorable impact on RTX's stock valuation. The demonstration's success, signaling the radar's readiness for operational deployment, positions Raytheon favorably for future contracts and solidifies its reputation as an innovator in defense technology.

Given the current global security climate, with heightened tensions and increased defense spending by governments worldwide, Raytheon's advancements in air defense technology could translate into significant financial gains. The potential for new contracts and the expansion of existing ones can lead to increased revenue streams and bolster investor confidence in the company's growth prospects.

Investors will also be interested in the scalability of the technology and its potential adoption by other branches of the military or by allied nations, which could lead to larger production runs and economies of scale. The commonality of the GhostEye MR with other defense systems like the LTAMDS hints at a strategic approach to product development that can optimize R&D spending and maximize profitability.

Sensor demonstrates critical air base air defense capability

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation (SDPE) office and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, demonstrated the operational performance and readiness of the GhostEye® MR advanced medium-range sensor for the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) during an extended exercise at White Sands Missile Range.

GhostEye MR expands NASAMS' combat-proven capabilities against enemy aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, and cruise missile threats. The radar was designed and developed by Raytheon, primarily through internal research and development investments. During the recent exercise, GhostEye MR was successfully integrated with NASAMS' Air Defense Console and the Battlespace Command and Control Center (BC3), a command-and-control element used by the U.S. Air Force.

"This experiment showed that GhostEye MR is a viable sensor option for integrated air and missile defense," said Jim Simonds, U.S. Air Force Air Base Air Defense Program Manager at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. "The radar clearly demonstrated its ability to be rapidly deployed and detect and track live targets precisely at longer ranges, providing increased standoff and decision-making time."

In a configuration designed as an air base air defense solution for the U.S. Air Force, all three system components communicated effectively, sharing information and relevant data during a live threat scenario. GhostEye MR provided a comprehensive air picture for the command-and-control system to determine whether a target was a threat and what response was required. Additionally, the radar supported simulated engagements and, with NASAMS, successfully defeated the targets.

"The team's success demonstrates that GhostEye MR can meet the needs of the U.S. Air Force," said Tom Laliberty, president of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. "Air bases around the world face a growing array of sophisticated airborne threats, and this exercise marked a significant step toward fielding an integrated capability for air base air defense."

This demonstration also builds on last year's successful air base air defense experiment in Andøya, Norway, that showcased NASAMS' ability to engage and intercept various aerial threats using multiple Raytheon missile types and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace's Fire Distribution Center.

In August of last year, Raytheon was awarded its first government contracts to advance development and assessment of GhostEye MR. A member of Raytheon's GhostEye family of sensors, GhostEye MR provides increased range and altitude coverage to expand the defended-area capabilities of NASAMS. The radar leverages commonality with the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, or LTAMDS – currently advancing through development for the U.S. Army.

About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, offensive and defensive cybersecurity tools, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space.

About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com. 

 

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SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What is the name of the sensor demonstrated in the press release?

The sensor demonstrated is GhostEye MR, developed by Raytheon.

Who are the partners involved in the demonstration?

The partners involved are the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation office and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

What is the purpose of GhostEye MR?

GhostEye MR expands NASAMS' capabilities against enemy aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, and cruise missile threats.

What was the result of the recent exercise at White Sands Missile Range?

During the exercise, GhostEye MR was successfully integrated with NASAMS' Air Defense Console and the Battlespace Command and Control Center, demonstrating its operational performance and readiness.

What is the significance of the demonstration for the U.S. Air Force?

The demonstration showed that GhostEye MR is a viable sensor option for integrated air and missile defense, meeting the needs of the U.S. Air Force.

What other capabilities does GhostEye MR provide?

GhostEye MR provides increased range and altitude coverage to expand the defended-area capabilities of NASAMS.

What was the result of the air base air defense experiment in Andøya, Norway?

The experiment showcased NASAMS' ability to engage and intercept various aerial threats using multiple Raytheon missile types and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace's Fire Distribution Center.

What was Raytheon awarded in August of last year?

Raytheon was awarded its first government contracts to advance development and assessment of GhostEye MR.