RTX's Raytheon Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor continues to detect, track, and intercept complex targets in live fire tests

Rhea-AI Summary

Raytheon, an RTX business, announced successful testing of its Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) by U.S. Army soldiers. The system effectively guided Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptors to defeat cruise and ballistic missile surrogates. The 360-degree radar, integrated with the Integrated Battle Command System, demonstrated successful detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities.

The program is progressing towards Milestone C in Q2 FY2025, transitioning from development to production. In August 2024, Raytheon secured a $2 billion contract to deliver eight radars for the U.S. and Poland, marking Poland as the first international customer. More than a dozen countries are showing interest in LTAMDS, with six radars currently undergoing simultaneous testing across multiple locations.

Positive

• Successful operational testing of LTAMDS system with complex targets
• Secured $2 billion contract for radar delivery to U.S. and Poland
• Strong international interest from dozen+ countries
• Program on track for production phase transition in Q2 FY2025

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Technology Analyst

The successful LTAMDS testing marks a significant milestone in RTX's air defense capabilities. The system's ability to integrate with IBCS and guide PAC-3 interceptors against complex threats demonstrates advanced technological maturity. With a $2 billion contract already secured for U.S. and Poland deliveries and interest from over a dozen countries, LTAMDS is positioned to become a major revenue driver. The planned transition to full-rate production in Q2 FY2025 indicates strong commercial potential.

The 360-degree radar capability addresses a critical battlefield need, offering superior threat detection compared to legacy systems. Poland's commitment as the first international customer could catalyze additional foreign military sales, particularly among NATO allies seeking enhanced air defense capabilities. The simultaneous testing of six radars suggests robust manufacturing readiness, supporting the aggressive production timeline.

Military Procurement Analyst

The operational assessment success significantly de-risks the $2 billion LTAMDS program, positioning RTX favorably for the important Milestone C decision. The demonstration of successful soldier operation, rather than contractor personnel, validates the system's battlefield readiness and user-friendly design. The international interest, particularly Poland's early adoption, suggests a strong export market potential that could multiply the program's value.

The aggressive testing schedule with multiple simultaneous validations indicates strong program management and potential for accelerated deliveries. This could lead to increased order volume and faster revenue recognition. The integration with existing Patriot infrastructure makes LTAMDS an attractive upgrade path for the 15+ current Patriot operating nations, representing a substantial addressable market.

U.S. Army soldiers successfully test LTAMDS during operational assessment

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX business, announced that U.S. Army air defense soldiers successfully used the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, or LTAMDS, to guide Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptors to defeat cruise and ballistic missile surrogates.

"LTAMDS continues to successfully pass each hurdle of the U.S. Army's rigorous testing program demonstrating its readiness for initial fielding," said Tom Laliberty, president of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. "In this latest test, U.S. soldiers operated LTAMDS to successfully detect, track and support engagement of a complex set of threats."

This LTAMDS live-fire event is part of the U.S. Army's operational assessment required before the program enters full-rate production. The transformational 360-degree radar integrated with the Integrated Battle Command System, or IBCS, passed tracked data, while guiding PAC-3 interceptors to surrogate ballistic and cruise missile targets.

The LTAMDS program is executing to an aggressive schedule, with six radars rotating through simultaneous testing and integration at multiple Raytheon and Army test locations. The program is expected to achieve Milestone C, the official transition from development to production, in second quarter of FY2025. 

More than a dozen countries are requesting information and receiving briefings on LTAMDS. In August 2024, Raytheon was awarded a U.S. Army contract valued at more than $2 billion to deliver eight radars for the U.S. and Poland. With this Foreign Military Sale, Poland is the first international customer to add LTAMDS to its air and missile defense architecture. 

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, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space. 

About RTX 
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes 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, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $69 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. 

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

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtxs-raytheon-lower-tier-air-and-missile-defense-sensor-continues-to-detect-track-and-intercept-complex-targets-in-live-fire-tests-302329184.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What was the value of RTX's recent LTAMDS contract for U.S. and Poland?

In August 2024, RTX's Raytheon secured a U.S. Army contract valued at more than $2 billion to deliver eight LTAMDS radars for the U.S. and Poland.

When will RTX's LTAMDS program transition to full production?

The LTAMDS program is expected to achieve Milestone C, transitioning from development to production, in the second quarter of FY2025.

How many countries have shown interest in RTX's LTAMDS system?

More than a dozen countries are requesting information and receiving briefings on RTX's LTAMDS system.

What capabilities did RTX's LTAMDS demonstrate in recent testing?

LTAMDS demonstrated successful detection, tracking, and support of engagement with cruise and ballistic missile surrogates, while integrated with the Integrated Battle Command System.

Which country is the first international customer for RTX's LTAMDS?

Poland is the first international customer to add LTAMDS to its air and missile defense architecture.