During the test, Raytheon
and L-3 successfully launched a Raytheon TALON laser-guided rocket
after the TALON RRWS received positioning information from a remote
sensor. Illuminated by a laser designator on the weapon system, the
TALON guided to a direct hit of a target. The test, held this summer,
followed a proof-of-principal test in January.
The TALON was fired from
a LAU-68 launcher fitted to L-3’s Advanced Remote Weapon Station,
using the company’s O•N•E 360™ situational
awareness imaging system, and Sonoma 1205MD™ turret for laser
designation. TALON RRWS has equipment from L-3’s Integrated
Optical Systems, Sonoma EO and KEO business units.
“This system represents an affordable and effective solution
to the increasing demand for small ship protection from swarming surface
threats,” said Rick Nelson, vice president of Raytheon’s
Naval and Area Mission Defense product line. “Raytheon’s
TALON, combined with L-3’s sensors and Advanced Remote Weapon
Station, provides digital, semi-active laser accuracy that is available
today.”
Designed to carry up to seven TALONs, the self-contained RRWS incorporates
an electro-optical sensor and laser designator, together weighing
about 500 pounds. It requires only a target queue to engage on-mount
target tracking and can be integrated on ships ranging in size from
riverine to major surface combatants.
TALON’s
versatility allows for sea, air and ground launch applications
“L-3 and Raytheon recognized
that small ships need an affordable self-defense capability that also
provides enhanced fire power,” said Dave Wessing, vice president
and general manager of L-3 Integrated Optical Systems’ Brashear
facility. “This innovative combination provides a cost-effective,
lightweight solution that can be installed on the majority of small
ships today.”
TALON is a cooperative development program between Raytheon and the
United Arab Emirates. Its digital semi-active laser technology provides
precision accuracy at low cost for 2.75-inch/Hydra-70mm rockets. TALON’s
versatility allows for sea, air and ground launch applications.
L-3's booth
at EURONAVAL 2014
The compact and
highly modular design of the optronic mast system 110 ensures ease
of installation, integration and logistic maintainability. It distinguishes
itself through its unique capability to conduct a 360° quick look
around (QLR) in merely three seconds with a resultant panoramic view.
The OMS 200 sets itself apart through an enhanced stealth (visual,
IR and radar) technology in a highly integrated compact design. Its
optronics comprise an integrated sensor system made up of an HDTV
day camera, a short wave infrared (SWIR) camera and an eye-safe laser
range finder on a single line of sight.
TALON
is developed from the legacy 2.75-inch Hydra-70 unguided rockets