RTX's CHIMERA high-power microwave system excels during three-week field test
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The recent field test of the CHIMERA high-power microwave (HPM) weapon system signifies a significant advancement in U.S. defense capabilities. The ability of CHIMERA to apply directed energy to targets and demonstrate end-to-end fire control is a leap forward in non-kinetic warfare. These systems are designed to disable the electronic systems of enemy targets, which can be a decisive factor in modern warfare where electronic warfare capabilities are increasingly important.
The development of such technology is crucial for maintaining a strategic edge. The increased power and range of CHIMERA compared to existing HPM systems suggest that it could effectively neutralize threats at a distance without the need for traditional munitions. This could result in cost savings due to the reduced need for expensive missiles and other munitions, while also potentially decreasing collateral damage and the risk to human life.
The collaboration between Raytheon and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing military technology. The involvement of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering in the Directed Energy Front-line Electromagnetic Neutralization and Defeat (DEFEND) program indicates a concerted effort to integrate these systems into the current defense infrastructure.
Investment in these technologies is likely to increase, as their successful integration can enhance the United States' defensive and offensive capabilities. The procurement process for such advanced systems will be complex and costly, but the long-term benefits of having a more adaptable and responsive defense apparatus could justify the expenditure. Stakeholders in the defense industry should monitor the progress of CHIMERA's integration into the military's arsenal, as it might lead to significant contracts and a shift in the allocation of defense spending towards advanced non-kinetic systems.
The successful test of CHIMERA at White Sands Missile Range may positively impact Raytheon's market position within the defense sector, particularly in the directed energy niche. As threats evolve and adversaries develop more sophisticated means of attack, the demand for innovative defense solutions like HPM systems is likely to grow. This growth presents an opportunity for Raytheon to expand its market share and solidify its standing as a leading defense contractor.
From a market perspective, the development of CHIMERA could lead to increased investor confidence in Raytheon's stock (NYSE: RTX), as the company demonstrates its capability to fulfill complex defense contracts and deliver cutting-edge technology. Moreover, the broader industry could see a ripple effect, with increased interest in directed energy systems potentially driving R&D investment across the sector. Investors and analysts should closely watch developments in this area, as they can have material implications for defense stocks and the overall defense market landscape.
WHITE SANDS, N.M., Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Air Force Research Laboratory and Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, have successfully completed a three-week field test of the CHIMERA high-power microwave (HPM) weapon at White Sands Missile Range in
The Counter-Electronic High-Power Microwave Extended-Range Air Base Defense system, known as CHIMERA, was built to fire highly concentrated radio energy at multiple middle-to-long-range targets. The ground-based demonstration system wields more power than other HPM systems to defeat airborne threats at the speed of light.
"High-power microwave systems are cost-effective and reliable solutions that play an important role in layered defense by increasing magazine depth and giving warfighters more options to defeat adversaries quickly," said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon. "The successful test of CHIMERA is a testament to the strong partnership between Raytheon and the AFRL, and our commitment to developing non-kinetic solutions that can counter increasingly sophisticated threats."
CHIMERA is part of the Directed Energy Front-line Electromagnetic Neutralization and Defeat (DEFEND) program, which is a joint service effort to design, build and test HPM systems for front-line deployment. Raytheon is partnering with experts at the AFRL, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering to complete this work.
"This is what the power of government and industry partners can achieve: critical technology that can be inserted in an integrated mission architecture alongside other directed energy tech and kinetics. It is imperative that AFRL, in partnership with industry and academia, continue to innovate and feed these architectures now and in the future," said Dr. Shery Welsh, director, Directed Energy Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory.
About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of offensive and defense solutions to help the
About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 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 2023 sales of
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