Energy News  
Raytheon Offers New Multi-Purpose Loitering Missile System Concept

Raytheon
by Staff Writers
Tucson AZ (SPX) Apr 05, 2006
Raytheon Company is funding and developing a Multi-Purpose Loitering Missile (MPLM) System that will fill the joint fires capability gaps and meet the long war requirements engendered by the global war on terrorism.

The system's airframe was successfully vertically launched in December 2005 at the Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division Land Range, China Lake, Calif.

"We are extremely pleased with this development effort and the highly successful first vertical launch demonstration of our MPLM missile concept that is being developed to address joint fires capability gaps," said Harry Schulte, vice president, Raytheon Missile Systems Strike product line.

"This success is a credit to the dedication and outstanding cooperation of the joint Raytheon, China Lake, Aerojet and PacSci team pursuing and developing this capability."

The MPLM system concept includes the use of the field operational Army Field Artillery Tactical Data System command and control system, which bridges the joint force and uses a state of the art composite airframe.

The Raytheon-funded concept will incorporate the use of a two way satellite data link to allow designation to targets of greater priority while in flight and the use of a seeker to reduce target location error.

The system will be capable of being launched from both vertical launch systems (VLS) and self-contained canister launch systems. Raytheon brings ship platform integration to the forefront with a design that will be insensitive munition compliant, with plug and play options, including more capable seekers and multiple payloads.

The Raytheon approach also places complete emphasis on all aspects of cost in order to minimize financial impacts to the government if a multi-purpose loitering missile program goes forward.

The Dec. 5, 2005, launch featured an MPLM airframe fired from a MK-14 ground launch canister. The Raytheon MPLM airframe was successfully launched in a VLS configuration, demonstrating its ability to survive launch shock and be boosted to a cruise altitude. This non-powered event also displayed successful booster separation and aerodynamic descent with wings deployed.

The MPLM system is being developed at Raytheon's Missile Systems business in Tucson, Ariz.

Community
Email This Article
Comment On This Article

Related Links
Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com
All about missiles at SpaceWar.com



Memory Foam Mattress Review
Newsletters :: SpaceDaily :: SpaceWar :: TerraDaily :: Energy Daily
XML Feeds :: Space News :: Earth News :: War News :: Solar Energy News


HARPOON Block II Missiles For Korea
Washington DC (SPX) Apr 04, 2006
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of South Korea for Harpoon Block II Missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $130 million.







  • New Processing Steps Promise More Economical Ethanol Production
  • New Bioproducts Research Centre Will Help Industry Create Forest Biorefinery
  • Common Clays Investigated For Use As High Tech Environmental Catalysts
  • The Challenge Of Fueling The Chinese Replicator

  • Blair Indicates Possible Future Switch To Nuclear Power
  • US Regulators Shaped Nuclear Security To Industry Tastes
  • Malawi Urged To Protect Its Forests
  • Australia And China Poised To Sign Uranium Deal

  • The 'Oxygen Imperative'
  • NASA Studies Air Pollution Flowing Into US From Abroad
  • Carbon Balance Killed The Dinos
  • Earth's Turbulence Stirs Things Up Slower Than Expected

  • Alaska Timber Projection Study Reveals Market Trends
  • China Playing Central Role To Laundering Stolen Timber
  • US, Japan, Europe Drive Chinese Imports Of Illegal Wood
  • Amazon 2050: Implementing Law Could Save Massive Area Of Rainforest

  • Plants Give Pests A Sock In The Gut
  • Changes In Agricultural Practices Could Help Slow Global warming
  • Brazilian Farming Will Doom 40 Percent Of Amazon
  • Scientists A Step Closer To Protecting World's Most Important Crop

  • Highly Realistic Driving Simulator Helps Develop Safer Cars
  • Research On The Road To Intelligent Cars
  • Volvo Promises Hybrid Truck Engines Within Three Years
  • Carbon Fiber Cars Could Put US On Highway To Efficiency

  • DaimlerChrysler And Lagardere Cut Stake In EADS
  • Lockheed Martin Delivers F-22 Raptor To Second Operational Squadron
  • CAESAR Triumphs As New Gen Of Radar Takes Flight
  • Northrop Grumman to Provide F-16 Fleet To Greek Air Force

  • Could NASA Get To Pluto Faster? Space Expert Says Yes - By Thinking Nuclear
  • NASA plans to send new robot to Jupiter
  • Los Alamos Hopes To Lead New Era Of Nuclear Space Tranportion With Jovian Mission
  • Boeing Selects Leader for Nuclear Space Systems Program

  • The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement