Raytheon awarded EFOGM Phase II contract.

BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 1996--The U.S. Army announced that Raytheon Electronic Systems, Bedford, Mass., has been awarded a follow-on Phase II contract for the Enhanced Fiber Optic Guided Missile (EFOGM) Demonstration Program. This is a $52 million, three-year effort to design, build, and test a new fiber optic missile system. The contract calls for building eight fire units and 44 missiles and contains options for an additional five fire units and 256 missiles valued at approximately $40 million.

EFOGM is a key weapon system for the U.S. Army Rapid Force Projection Initiative (RFPI) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration, which will provide rapidly deployable, lethal, and highly survivable technologies to the U.S. early entry forces. EFOGM will provide a non-line- of-sight (out to 15 km) precision standoff weapon against armor and helicopters during day, night, and adverse weather conditions.

Raytheon's EFOGM system provides eight fiber optic guided missiles carried on a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HUMVEE). Each missile is equipped with an infrared seeker which detects targets viewed in real time by the gunner over a fiber optic link to the HUMVEE launch vehicle.

The gunner has the ability to selectively target high priority enemy assets and also avoid potential friendly-on-friendly engagements.

The EFOGM system uses an imaging sensor in the missile for target acquisition and terminal homing. The image is transmitted from the missile to the gunner in the launch vehicle over a fiber optic data link which is dispensed as the missile flies toward the target area. The missile receives steering signals back through the link from the gunner's station. The gunner performs target selection and acquisition on a video screen and locks the automatic tracker onto the target image displayed on his console. The tracking commands are sent to the gunner's ground station computer, which then sends guidance commands up the fiber optic data link to guide the missiles.

"The award of the second phase of this program allows Team EFOGM to continue to develop and build this exciting new missile system. This precision guided missile capability will enhance the soldiers' ability to survive in a Rapid Force Projection environment," said William H. Swanson, executive vice president and general manager of Raytheon Electronic Systems. The total value of the EFOGM program could exceed hundreds of millions of dollars over the entire program. Raytheon is employing Integrated Product Process Teams in Huntsville, Ala., to perform the EFOGM Demonstration Program, including team members SEI, SCI, SRT and Loral-Fairchild.

Raytheon Electronic Systems is the defense electronic business of Raytheon. Raytheon, headquartered in Lexington, Mass., is a $12 billion, international, high technology company which also operates in these businesses: commercial electronics, engineering and construction, aircraft, and major appliances.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Allen, [phone].