PARIS, Oct. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and L-3 demonstrated a second successful test of the TALON Rocket Remote Weapon System (TALON RRWS), an innovative and cost-effective defense solution for small vessel protection.

During the test, Raytheon and L-3 successfully launched a Raytheon TALON laser-guided rocket after the TALON RRWS received positioning information from a remote sensor. Illuminated by a laser designator on the weapon system, the TALON guided to a direct hit of a target.  The test, held this summer, followed a proof-of-principal test in January.

The TALON was fired from a LAU-68 launcher fitted to L-3's Advanced Remote Weapon Station, using the company's O•N•E 360™ situational awareness imaging system, and Sonoma 1205MD™ turret for laser designation. TALON RRWS has equipment from L-3's Integrated Optical Systems, Sonoma EO and KEO business units.

"This system represents an affordable and effective solution to the increasing demand for small ship protection from swarming surface threats," said Rick Nelson, vice president of Raytheon's Naval and Area Mission Defense product line. "Raytheon's TALON, combined with L-3's sensors and Advanced Remote Weapon Station, provides digital, semi-active laser accuracy that is available today."

Designed to carry up to seven TALONs, the self-contained RRWS incorporates an electro-optical sensor and laser designator, together weighing about 500 pounds. It requires only a target queue to engage on-mount target tracking and can be integrated on ships ranging in size from riverine to major surface combatants.

"L-3 and Raytheon recognized that small ships need an affordable self-defense capability that also provides enhanced fire power," said Dave Wessing, vice president and general manager of L-3 Integrated Optical Systems' Brashear facility. "This innovative combination provides a cost-effective, lightweight solution that can be installed on the majority of small ships today."

About TALON

• TALON is a cooperative development program between Raytheon and the United Arab Emirates
• Digital semi-active laser technology provides precision accuracy at low cost for 2.75-inch/70mm rockets
• TALON's versatility allows for sea, air and ground launch applications

About Advanced Remote Weapon Station

• Lightweight, small-footprint, low-cost mount requiring no deck penetration
• Easily configurable for medium-caliber weapons or 2.75-inch rockets
• Multiple sensor options for detection, tracking and targeting

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2013 sales of $24 billion and 63,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 92 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as cyber security and a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.

Raytheon Company
Missile Systems
Tucson, Ariz.

Media Contact
Tara Wood
+1.520.794.7715

rmspr@raytheon.com

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SOURCE Raytheon Company