Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an American multinational aerospace and defense conglomerate with its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. One of the world’s largest aerospace and defense companies, Raytheon produces fighter jets and other military equipment. It also markets commercial aircraft, such as the Hawker business jet. Listed below are some of its major products.
Raytheon markets AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles
Raytheon’s air-to-air missiles are combat proven and platform agnostic. They provide performance that is unmatched. Its AIM-9X Sidewinder missile is the world’s most advanced missile, including infrared tracking.
In May, Raytheon announced a possible sale to the Netherlands of 138 of its AIM-9X Block II/II+ short-range air-to-air missiles. The deal is worth up to $117 million and involves the sale of 95 Block II missiles and 43 Block II+ missiles, as well as training missiles and related equipment.
AIM-9X Sidewinder is compatible with the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS). The U.S. Air Force and Navy are currently purchasing the AIM-9X Block II, which adds lock-on-after-launch capability and a one-way forward-quarter datalink. The Block II commenced Full Rate Production in August 2015. The Navy cancelled the Block III upgrade, but Raytheon is currently working on an AIM-9X Block II Plus variant.
Raytheon manufactures F-35 fighter jets
The F-35 fighter jet is a revolutionary new generation of fighter jets designed to provide unrivaled situational awareness and speed. Its mission is to keep the world safe from airborne threats and is designed to meet the needs of the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The F-35 is expected to fly well into the 21st century and will replace several types of existing fighter jets. Other nations have also placed bets on this new jet, including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Australia.
The F-35 has been plagued by a series of problems. First of all, there were parts shortages and a slow repair cycle. But in recent months, the F-35 has made good progress and has begun to meet the government’s inventory target of 2,456 aircraft. Despite these problems, production is expected to continue for years to come. In addition, Pratt and Whitney expects to receive more orders for its F-35 propulsion system. These orders should boost the company’s top line.
Raytheon markets Hawker business jets
In 1996, Raytheon began marketing an improved Hawker 800, also known as the Beechjet 400A. The company also redesigned the Beechcraft Bonanza and Baron and began marketing the Hawker Horizon. It would take several more years for the company to complete deliveries of the new jet, but it was still priced at $14.5 million fully equipped. Raytheon used composite materials and low-cost manufacturing techniques to produce the jets. In addition, it contracted out the wing construction to Fuji Heavy Industries of Japan.
In August 1993, Raytheon purchased the Hawker line of business jets. Today, these jets are still built in England, but the company also has a completion center in Little Rock, Arkansas. In September 1994, Raytheon acquired Beech Aircraft Corporation, which is now known as Raytheon. The company plans to build jets in Wichita, Kansas.
Raytheon markets Phalanx weapon system
Raytheon is a technology leader with a focus on defense, security, and civil markets. The company’s Phalanx weapon system is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled, radar-guided gun designed to counter close-in threats and anti-ship missiles. It also has the ability to detect incoming rounds and provides early warning of an attack.
The Phalanx family of weapon systems is deployed in 20 navies. The United States Navy has deployed more than eighty-five systems. The Phalanx has also been fielded in 22 foreign nations and the Royal Australian Navy. Currently, the U.S. Navy plans to phase out the Phalanx and replace it with RAM. In addition, the Navy is fielding the block IB upgrade of the Phalanx, which provides enhanced AAW capability and surface-mode defense.
The Phalanx weapon system combines a 20-mm Gatling gun with an advanced search and track radar. The system also includes closed-loop spotting technology and can be interfaced with a variety of sensors. Moreover, the system can automatically track and confirm kills, making it a superior choice for support ships.