Raytheon garners Aegis contract

TEWKSBURY, Mass., Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Critical components of the Aegis weapons system for the Arleigh Burke class of destroyers will be produced and delivered to the U.S. Navy by Raytheon.

Under the $240 million contract, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems will provide production, engineering and support services for four ship sets of the AN/SPY-1D(V) transmitter group and MK99 Mod 8 Fire Control System.

The radar and fire control system equipment is essential to the Aegis weapon system's ability to track and defend against multiple threats.

"Raytheon's naval radar components are providing extensive capabilities and proven performance for Aegis-equipped ships worldwide," said Raytheon IDS' John Kelly, director of Sensor Systems. "This current contract continues Raytheon's legacy as a key contributor to the Aegis program and as an industry leader in the design and development of naval radars."

Raytheon's AN/SPY-1 radar transmitters and MK99 Fire Control System have been in continual production for 30 years as part of the Navy's Aegis shipbuilding program. The AN/SPY-1 and the MK99 are installed in the Navy's fleet of Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

They are also in service aboard Japanese Kongo class destroyers and Spanish F100-class frigates.

Raytheon said work on the Aegis program is performed at its facilities in Sudbury, Mass.; Portsmouth, R.I.; and Andover, Mass.