MCKINNEY, Texas, 14 July 2009. Raytheon officials networked sensors and effects to demonstrate how the U.S. Army could modernize brigade combat teams (BCTs) to significantly improve situational awareness and targeting efficiency.

Hosting a live, hands-on demonstration at Fort Benning, Ga., Raytheon engineers validated how networked lethality is achieved by linking emerging capabilities of its Multi-Function Radio Frequency System, Common Mast-Mounted Sight, and combat identification technology with fielded BCT sensors and weapon systems.

Raytheon's Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System provided integrated fires support and command and control capabilities. The demonstration also incorporated a netted mission backbone via Raytheon's combat-proven, Enhanced Position Location Reporting System data network, which is used by Army Stryker and Heavy BCTs.

The fielded BCT sensors and weapon systems in the demonstration were TOW Improved Target Acquisition System, Long-Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System, and Javelin Command Launch Unit. These networked solutions have been integrated with the Army's Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade-and-Below kit, though not for this particular demonstration, Raytheon officials say.

"As the Army develops and executes brigade combat team modernization plans, the networking and integrating of sensors and effects within the brigades will be vital for increased situational awareness, precision fires and dramatic reductions in targeting timelines," says Glynn Raymer, vice president, Raytheon Network Centric Systems Combat Systems. "This capability will provide an unparalleled operational advantage to our warfighters. We created a tactical network that integrates our sense-and-shoot technologies, greatly expands warfighter mission capabilities, and enhances force effectiveness."

Raytheon demonstrated Army company-level sharing and cross-cueing of critical sensor information and the ability to more rapidly engage time-critical targets. The demonstration used Army common operating environment protocols to support the entire kill chain and its associated platforms and systems. "Matured through experimental warfighter exercises, this modern and reliable networked lethality capability set has been proved to reduce time-to-target, and that can mean all the difference in saving soldiers' lives," Raymer adds.