More Phalanx, SeaRAM work for Raytheon

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LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 18 (UPI) -- Raytheon reports it is to overhaul and upgrade Phalanx gun systems and manufacture SeaRAM anti-ship missile defense systems under a new U.S. Navy contract.

The award is worth $58.7 million.

It covers nine Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems and two SeaRAMs. As part of the award, Raytheon will provide 20 upgrade kits for radar.

Phalanx is primarily a defense against incoming missiles and aircraft that have penetrated longer range countermeasures. It features a computer-controlled radar system and 20mm Gatling gun. It is deployed on virtually all Navy surface combatant vessels and is operated by the navies of two dozen other countries.

SeaRAM extends the range of the Phalanx. It uses advanced Phalanx Block 1B sensors. With the SeaRAM, the Phalanx's gun is replaced with Rolling Airframe Missile guide.

SeaRAM is aboard two of the U.S. Navy's new Littoral Combat Ships.

"Raytheon tailors our ship self-defense systems to meet our customers' requirements," said Rick Nelson, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Naval Weapon Systems product line. "Phalanx and SeaRAM are layered defense solutions that lead the world in scalable technology, while providing unparalleled protection."