RTX's StormBreaker goes 14 for 14 from the F-35C in U.S. Navy flight tests

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX's Raytheon business announced 28 successful tests of its StormBreaker® smart weapon in 2023, including a 100% success rate on 14 planned jettisons from the F-35C. The tests involved four separate platforms across three U.S. military services. StormBreaker is an air-launched, precision-strike standoff weapon capable of defeating moving and fixed targets in adverse weather conditions.

Key features of StormBreaker include:

• Tri-mode seeker using infrared and millimeter wave radar
• Two-way datalink communications for in-flight target updates
• Ability to operate in fog, smoke, and rain
• Network-enabled capabilities for enhanced survivability

Positive

• 100% success rate in 14 F-35C jettison tests
• 28 successful tests across multiple platforms and services
• Demonstrated versatility across F-35C, F/A-18E/F, F-15E, and F-35B aircraft
• Advanced features including tri-mode seeker and two-way datalink communications

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Analyst

The successful completion of 14 out of 14 tests from the F-35C demonstrates RTX's StormBreaker as a reliable and advanced weapon system. This 100% success rate indicates high precision and reliability, critical factors for defense contracts and national security. The ability to operate in adverse weather conditions and receive mid-flight updates enhances its strategic importance. For investors, the success of these tests potentially strengthens RTX's position in securing future defense contracts, which can lead to steady revenue streams and improved financial stability.

The StormBreaker's adaptability across multiple platforms (F/A-18E/F, F-15E, F-35B) and services (Navy, Marines, Air Force) showcases its versatility, making it an attractive option for various military needs. This broad applicability could lead to increased adoption across different branches, further solidifying RTX's market position.

Financial Analyst

From a financial perspective, the news about RTX's successful tests of the StormBreaker weapon is quite impactful. A 100% success rate in such critical tests is likely to enhance investor confidence, as it demonstrates the company's technical prowess and reliability. Given that defense budgets are often substantial and stable, this achievement might lead to significant contracts from the U.S. military and potentially allied nations. Such contracts usually translate to long-term revenue streams, which can positively affect RTX's stock performance.

Furthermore, the successful tests across different platforms speak to the weapon's versatility and market potential. This could open up opportunities for RTX to expand its customer base, not only within different branches of the U.S. military but also internationally. Investors should watch for announcements of new contracts or partnerships that could stem from these test results.

Tech Expert

Technologically, the StormBreaker is an impressive piece of engineering. Its tri-mode seeker allows it to operate under adverse conditions where other weapons might fail. This capability is a significant advancement in smart weapon technology, offering strategic advantages in terms of operational flexibility and mission success. The ability to update target coordinates mid-flight via two-way datalink communications adds another layer of sophistication, enabling dynamic and responsive engagements.

For investors, this technological edge means that RTX is at the forefront of defense innovation, which can be a strong selling point for both existing and potential clients. The successful tests indicate that these advanced features are not just theoretical but have been proven in practical scenarios. This reliability and technological superiority are likely to attract further investments and contracts.

RTX tests StormBreaker across four separate platforms, with three services, for 28 total flight tests in 2023 

LONDON, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Farnborough Air Show — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business announced 28 tests of its StormBreaker® smart weapon in 2023, including a 100 percent success rate on 14 of 14 planned jettisons from the F-35C. The additional 14 tests throughout the year included employment from the F/A-18E/F, F-15E, and F-35B across the U.S. Navy, Marines, and Air Force.

"Service-members need trusted weapons that are highly survivable, network enabled and keep them as far from harm's way as possible," said Paul Ferraro, president of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon. "StormBreaker's unique capabilities position it as the right choice for multiple generations of weapons systems."

StormBreaker is an air-launched, precision-strike standoff weapon that enables the service-members to defeat moving and fixed targets. It can operate in adverse weather conditions through its tri-mode seeker that employs infrared and millimeter wave radar to see through fog, smoke and rain. The weapon has the capability to receive updated target coordinates mid-flight via two-way datalink communications. Using these network options, StormBreaker allows airborne or ground controllers the ability to send in-flight target updates.

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.

 

 

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SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What was the success rate of RTX's StormBreaker tests on the F-35C in 2023?

RTX's StormBreaker achieved a 100% success rate, with 14 out of 14 planned jettisons from the F-35C being successful in U.S. Navy flight tests conducted in 2023.

How many total StormBreaker tests did RTX (NYSE: RTX) conduct in 2023?

RTX conducted a total of 28 StormBreaker tests in 2023, across four separate platforms and three U.S. military services.

What are the key features of RTX's StormBreaker smart weapon?

StormBreaker's key features include a tri-mode seeker using infrared and millimeter wave radar, two-way datalink communications for in-flight target updates, ability to operate in adverse weather conditions, and network-enabled capabilities for enhanced survivability.

Which aircraft platforms were used to test RTX's StormBreaker in 2023?

RTX tested StormBreaker on four aircraft platforms in 2023: F-35C, F/A-18E/F, F-15E, and F-35B, across the U.S. Navy, Marines, and Air Force.