FULLERTON, Calif., Oct. 26, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- ThalesRaytheonSystems has been selected as one of two companies to study the viability of an Omni-Directional Weapon Locating (OWL) radar for the U.S. Army. ThalesRaytheonSystems will develop a proof of concept for highly mobile, low-cost radars that can detect and track incoming rocket and mortar threats over 360-degrees and at all angles.

"We are very excited about providing the armed forces with a design for a highly mobile and compact radar that provides 360-degree tracking coverage," said Kim Kerry, chief executive officer, ThalesRaytheonSystems, U.S. Operations. "TRS has provided effective and reliable battlefield radar systems to armed services worldwide for decades, and this advanced technology provides yet another method to protect our troops in the field."

The OWL radar study contract is valued at approximately $470,000. Study input will be provided to the U.S. Army by the end of 2010.

ThalesRaytheonSystems is a leader in battlefield radar with more than 600 systems fielded around the world. The U.S. Army has awarded TRS upgrade contracts for both the Sentinel and Firefinder radars that ensure these valuable systems will continue to evolve to meet changing requirements and provide superior threat detection. Currently, the company is applying new technology and enhancements to the U.S. Army's fleet of AN/TPQ-37 and AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder radars as part of the Reliability Maintainability Improvement program.

About ThalesRaytheonSystems

Formed nine years ago, ThalesRaytheonSystems is an international company specializing in air defense systems, command and control systems, 3D air defense radars, and battlefield and counter-battery radars. The company employs 1,600 people and is equally owned by Raytheon and Thales.

SOURCE Raytheon Company