<< [Back to News Release Archive]
Raytheon, EADS Create Partnership for U.S. Army Future Cargo Aircraft
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Raytheon Company and EADS North America have established a partnership to offer the world's best medium transports for the U.S. Army's Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) program. Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) business and the EADS CASA North America business unit will lead the program capture and execution effort.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050510/NETU034 )
"Raytheon, as prime contractor, is proud to lead this FCA team and join with EADS North America on this critical modernization program for the Army," Jack Kelble, president of Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, said. "This team, with its combination of international, world-class expertise in mission systems integration, production and mission support, offers the best, no-risk solution for the Army's intratheater transport."
"The EADS family of military transport aircraft sets the global standard for capability and performance," Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., EADS North America's Chairman and CEO, said. "Our team offers the Army a complete, proven cargo aircraft solution, tailored to meet its demanding mission requirements, while also returning best value to the U.S. taxpayer."
The planned FCA acquisition will provide the Army with a new fixed-wing transport aircraft capable of performing rapid-response intratheater missions with cargo, equipment and soldiers, as well as medevac duties and airdrop delivery. As prime contractor for the FCA team, Raytheon Company is providing program management, mission systems integration and mission support solutions for FCA. EADS CASA North America will assemble and deliver the Future Cargo Aircraft in the United States.
The Raytheon FCA team will offer a solution that is compliant with both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) standards. The EADS CASA aircraft are able to operate from austere forward runways and deliver both troops and materiel within the theater. Furthermore, the FCA solution is interoperable with Army heavy-lift helicopters currently in service. The Raytheon FCA solution has greater than 95% mission capability.
Raytheon for its nearly 83-year history has supported the full spectrum needs of the U.S. Army warfighter. Raytheon has supported Army fixed wing aviation since its inception starting with the first delivery of the YC-43 (Model 17 Staggerwing) to the Army Air Corp in 1939 through the C-12 Huron and Guardrail programs. Today, Raytheon is the ground systems integrator for the Army's Future Combat System. Raytheon's advanced systems for the Army include the Patriot air and missile defense system, the Sentinel air defense radar, weapons such as the Stinger missile, anti-armor TOW and Excalibur extended range precision guided artillery projectile and tactical communications systems. Raytheon also provides air traffic control systems for the Army and the Marine Corps.
EADS North America oversees the U.S. operations of EADS, the world's second largest aerospace and defense company. EADS CASA is the world leader in the light and medium military transport aircraft sector, and produces the combat-proven CN-235 and C-295 family of airlifters. Approximately 250 CN-235s and C-295 aircraft have been sold to some 30 military and governmental users in 24 countries -- including for the U.S. Coast Guard's Deepwater program maritime patrol aircraft, which will be delivered beginning in 2007. Currently in full production, the C-295 is in service with the air forces of Spain, Poland and Jordan. Additionally, the Brazilian air force placed an order for 12 C-295s in April, and the aircraft has also been selected by Switzerland and Portugal for their transport requirements.
EADS CASA North America recently completed construction of an integrated customer support center in Mobile, Ala., to service its growing American customer base. In addition, a multi-state tour this month is bringing the C- 295 and CN-235 to Army facilities and key conventions across the U.S. to demonstrate the two airlifters' operational capabilities. The tour includes stops at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; Redstone Army Airfield and Ft. Rucker, Alabama; and Fort Bragg, North Carolina; as well as the Army Aviation Association of America's annual convention in Orlando, Fla., the annual meeting of the Adjutants General Association of the United States and the 2005 Fixed Wing Conference of the U.S. Army in Little Rock, Ark. A special Web site is following the tour's progress at http://www.us-c295.com/.
Raytheon Company, with 2004 sales of $20.2 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services and special-mission aircraft. Headquartered in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people worldwide.
Raytheon SAS is the leading provider of sensor systems giving war fighters the most accurate and timely information available for the network-centric battlefield. With 2004 revenues of $4.0 billion and 13,000 employees, SAS is headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., with additional facilities in Goleta, Calif.; Forest, Miss.; Dallas, McKinney and Plano, Texas; and several international locations.
EADS North America is the North American operation of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $6 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 100,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. With 11 operating companies located in 31 cities and 16 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.
EADS North America Contact Guy Hicks 703 236 3300 office 484.919.4122 guy.hicks@eads-na.com Raytheon Company Contact Sabrina Steele 310 647 9067 office 310 977 4998 mobile sksteele@raytheon.comPhoto: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050510/NETU034 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN6 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com SOURCE: Raytheon Company