Full-rate production for modified missiles

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TUCSON, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Modifications to U.S. Air Force' AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles are to be performed by missile-maker Raytheon under a $12.3 million contract.

The control section modifications include the addition of a GPS receiver, an improved inertial measurement unit and a flight computer that merges navigation data from seeker and navigation systems.

"These enhancements improve the probability of hit, while controlling where the missile can and cannot fly," Raytheon said.

The modifications to existing missiles will be performed in full-rate production of the weapons. The company plans to begin the process in the early this year and begin deliveries of modified missiles by year's end.

"Leveraging several years of experience with HARM, Raytheon's HCSM (control section modifications) will provide the Air Force with enhanced capability and accuracy, while simultaneously reducing collateral damage or risk of fratricide," said Chuck Pinney, HARM program director for Raytheon Missile Systems. "HCSM will fill a critical capability need for the warfighter."

Working with Raytheon on the project is Honeywell and Rockwell Collins.