Raytheon Missile Systems awarded a $47,917,924 contract for Laser Maverick units.

Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a $47,917,924 for 469 Laser Maverick units.

Laser AGM-65 Maverick on a USN F/A-18C, 2004 (Picture source:  US Navy)

The AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-ground missile (AGM) designed for close air support. It is the most widely produced precision-guided missile in the Western world, and is effective against a wide range of tactical targets, including armor, air defenses, ships, ground transportation and fuel storage facilities.Maverick units.

Different models of the AGM-65 have used electro-optical, laser, and imaging infrared guidance systems. The AGM-65 has two types of warhead: one has a contact fuze in the nose, the other has a heavyweight warhead fitted with a delayed-action fuze, which penetrates the target with its kinetic energy before detonating. The latter is most effective against large, hard targets. The propulsion system for both types is a solid-fuel rocket motor behind the warhead.

This contract provides for the manufacture and delivery of 469 each Laser Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona. The work is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2021.