U.S. Navy fields RTX's StormBreaker smart weapon on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

Rhea-AI Summary

Raytheon's StormBreaker smart weapon has been fielded on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, making it the first approved U.S. Navy aircraft to carry the weapon. The weapon's capabilities allow aviators to strike targets in difficult scenarios. StormBreaker features an innovative multimode seeker and small size, allowing fewer aircraft to address the same number of targets. It can also fly more than 40 miles to strike moving land and maritime targets, reducing aircrews' exposure to harm.

Positive

• The U.S. Navy fielding the StormBreaker smart weapon on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a positive development for Raytheon. This expands the market for StormBreaker and increases its potential sales.
• The reduced number of required flight tests for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet due to the knowledge gained from F-15E fielding saves time and resources for Raytheon.
• StormBreaker's innovative multimode seeker and small size give it a competitive advantage over larger weapons, as it allows fewer aircraft to address the same number of targets.
• The ability of StormBreaker to strike moving land and maritime targets from a distance of more than 40 miles reduces the risk to aircrews, enhancing their safety and effectiveness.

Negative

• None.

F/A-18 first Navy aircraft to carry StormBreaker

TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, today announced that the U.S. Navy has fielded the company's StormBreaker^® smart weapon on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

The F/A-18 is the first approved U.S. Navy aircraft to carry StormBreaker. Building off the knowledge of F-15E fielding, Raytheon was able to reduce the number of required flight tests, saving time and resources to provide this capability to the U.S. Navy.

"The weapon's unprecedented capabilities provide aviators with the ability to strike targets in difficult and dynamic scenarios," said Paul Ferraro, president of Air Power at Raytheon. "StormBreaker is a prime example of how we are using digital technologies to deliver advanced air dominance weapons, ensuring the continued relevance of fourth-generation aircraft."

StormBreaker features an innovative multimode seeker that guides the weapon by using an imaging infrared camera, millimeter-wave radar, and semi-active laser in addition to, or with, GPS and inertial navigation system guidance. StormBreaker's small size lets fewer aircraft address the same number of targets compared to larger weapons that require multiple jets. It can also fly more than 40 miles to strike moving land and maritime targets, reducing the amount of time that aircrews spend in harm's way.

The U.S. Air Force declared Initial Operating Capability for StormBreaker on the F-15E Strike Eagle in 2022, and all three variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter are currently in integration testing with StormBreaker. 

About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of offensive and 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

Which company has developed the StormBreaker smart weapon?

Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has developed the StormBreaker smart weapon.

Which aircraft is the first approved U.S. Navy aircraft to carry StormBreaker?

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is the first approved U.S. Navy aircraft to carry StormBreaker.

What are the key features of StormBreaker?

StormBreaker features an innovative multimode seeker and small size, allowing fewer aircraft to address the same number of targets. It can also fly more than 40 miles to strike moving land and maritime targets.

What is the significance of StormBreaker's reduced number of required flight tests?

The reduced number of required flight tests for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet saves time and resources for Raytheon.

What is the potential market impact of the U.S. Navy fielding StormBreaker on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet?

The U.S. Navy fielding StormBreaker on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet expands the market for Raytheon and increases the potential sales of the weapon.