TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Rheinmetall Defence have joined forces to meet the U.S. Army's requirement for the Next-Generation Combat Vehicle-Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle program. The global industry team will offer the new Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle paired with Raytheon weapons, sensors and system integration expertise to provide the Army with an advanced, modular, survivable and lethal solution with unmatched growth potential.

Scheduled for fielding in 2026, the Next-Generation Combat Vehicle will be optimized for urban combat and rural terrain. The Army has named the NGCV as a top modernization priority supported under the service's new Futures Command structure.   

"We fully understand the Army's need to quickly modernize its aging family of combat vehicles. Our team offers a fresh, innovative approach, not business as usual," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "Raytheon will equip the new Lynx with the world's most advanced technology to deliver a modern fighting vehicle that will keep U.S. soldiers far ahead of battlefield threats for decades to come."

Raytheon technology earmarked for the Lynx could include advanced variants of Raytheon weapons, next-generation thermal sights, the Coyote® unmanned aircraft system and the company's Active Protection System. Like those systems, the vehicle will be made in America.

Rheinmetall unveiled the latest version of the Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle earlier this year. The new, tracked, armored vehicle is designed to address the critical challenges of the future battlefield, with a focus on growth capacity and lower life-cycle costs.

The Lynx IFV will provide the Army a next-generation lethal, powerful, lifesaving and adaptable fighting vehicle that represents true leap ahead capability compared to legacy vehicles. The Lynx can also be adapted to enable optional manning features, such as remote operation of the vehicle and Lance turret.

"Rheinmetall and Raytheon have worked together successfully for many years on numerous programs," said Ben Hudson, global head of Rheinmetall's Vehicle Systems division. "We are once again combining the best of German and American engineering to provide the U.S. Army with a step change in capability, giving soldiers the overmatch advantage they expect and deserve. Production of the Lynx in the U.S. will enable additional development and sustainment of the world-class American defense industrial base."

The NGCV is expected to replace the Bradley fighting vehicle.

About Rheinmetall
Headquartered in Düsseldorf, the publicly traded Rheinmetall AG is a high-tech enterprise dedicated to the twin modern imperatives of mobility and security. Founded in 1889, the group today consists of two operational components: Rheinmetall Defence and Rheinmetall Automotive. One of the world's leading suppliers of military systems and equipment, Rheinmetall's Defence arm comprises three divisions: Vehicle Systems, Electronic Solutions and Weapon and Ammunition. The group's 23,000-strong global workforce generated sales last year of $6.9 billion. Follow us on Twitter

About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2017 sales of $25 billion and 64,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 96 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I™ products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Follow us on Twitter.

Media Contacts
Raytheon
John B. Patterson
+1.520.794.4559
rmspr@raytheon.com

Rheinmetall
Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Public Relations, Rheinmetall AG
+49-(0)211-473 4748
oliver.hoffmann@rheinmetall.com

SOURCE Raytheon Company