Raytheon moves toward full production of upgraded multispectral avionics targeting sensor

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio, 27 Nov. 2013. Engineers at Raytheon Co. are taking another step toward full-scale production of an upgraded avionics sensor system that provides visible-light, infrared, laser designation, and laser illumination capabilities integrated in a single sensor package.

Electro-optics experts at the Raytheon Co. Space and Airborne Systems segment in McKinney, Texas, won a $9.1 million order last week from the U.S. Air Force to enable Raytheon to achieve full-rate production readiness for the Multispectral Targeting System (MTS)-B High Definition/Target Location Accuracy (HDTLA) system -- an upgraded version of the Raytheon MTS-B.

The contract calls for Raytheon to deliver an economical MTS-B HDTLA fabrication, assembly, as well as inspection and test ability for Raytheon to achieve full-rate production readiness for an MTS-B HDTLA turret unit -- one of the final steps before MTS-B HDTLA full-rate production.

This common sensor payload for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and manned aircraft will provide day and nighttime capability to collect and display continuous high-definition imagery and ability to designate targets of interest for attack by laser guided precision weapons.

Raytheon’s MTS-B provides visible-light and infrared sensors, as well as laser designation, and laser illumination capabilities in one sensor package. Awarding the contract to Raytheon were officials of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

The MTS-B provides detecting, ranging, and tracking for the U.S. Air Force Predator B UAV and other aircraft. Using a digital architecture, this system provides long-range surveillance, high-altitude target acquisition, tracking, rangefinding, and laser designation for the Hellfire missile, as well as for all other U.S. and allied laser-guided weapons.

The Raytheon MTS electro-optical sensor family, which also is for the C-130 fixed wing aircraft, the MH-60 helicopter, the Reaper UAV, and other aircraft, have been integrated on more than 16 U.S. military and Department of Homeland Security aircraft, Raytheon officials say. MTS products are flying aboard special mission aircraft for NASA, special operations forces, and coalition fleets around the world.

A turreted or forward-looking pod combining several sensors, the MTS has visible-light and infrared full-motion video cameras for long-range surveillance. The systems offer multiple wavelength sensors; near-infrared and color TV cameras; target illuminators; eyesafe laser rangefinders; image merging; spot trackers; and other avionics.

On the current contract Raytheon will do the work in McKinney, Texas, and should be finished by October 2014. For more information contact Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems online at www.raytheon.com/capabilities/global_isr.