PARIS, June 16, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN)
Airborne Stand-off Radar system that has been deployed twice to Afghanistan in
support of coalition forces will be on display at the Paris Air Show. ASTOR is
a sophisticated air-to-ground surveillance system that provides 24-hour,
all-weather actionable intelligence.
"ASTOR has clearly proven itself during operational trials," said RAF
Group Capt. Harry Kemsley. "As we prepare to deploy again to provide airborne
support during the Afghanistan elections, we are looking forward to exploring
additional capabilities and continuing counter-insurgency operations."
The ASTOR system comprises five Sentinel aircraft, six tactical ground
stations, two operational-level ground station units, support vehicles, and an
extensive and sophisticated support infrastructure. Raytheon has delivered all
ASTOR equipment to the U.K. Ministry of Defence and supports the system in the
field, assisting the front line on operations and in training and logistics.
The ASTOR's dual mode radar incorporates a synthetic aperture radar and
moving target indicator for wide-area surveillance. Data from the radar system
is exploited and disseminated by an extensive and sophisticated communications
suite including wide- and narrow-band data links, tactical data links, secure
VHF and UHF radios, and satellite communications. All are controlled through a
central mission system operated by crews in the air and ground segments.
"Raytheon's moving target indication and synthetic aperture radar
technology allow near real-time dissemination of critical data to the ground
forces," said Tim Carey, vice president for Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance Systems. "The actionable intelligence provided by ASTOR has had
an immediate operational impact on the success of U.K. and allied ground
forces in theater."
Raytheon Systems Limited is a prime contractor and major supplier to the
U.K. Ministry of Defence and has developed strong capabilities in mission
systems integration in defense, national security and commercial markets. RSL
also designs, develops and manufactures a range of high technology electronic
systems and software at its facilities in England, Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland.
Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and
innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other
government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning
87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems
integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and
command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad
range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass.,
Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.
Note to Editors:
An ASTOR Sentinel R1 aircraft and a tactical ground station will be on
static display at the Raytheon pavilion behind chalet A387. Members of 5 (Army
Cooperation) Squadron, RAF, who have operated the system during deployment,
will be showcasing the system's capabilities.
CONTACT:
Robin Hughes
+44 (0)7918 748482
Ramona Layne
+1-972-835-2087
Both of Raytheon Company; parismedia@raytheon.com/
