TUCSON, Ariz., 17 Jan. 2013. U.S. Air Force sought an aerospace and defense industry partner to upgrade the High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) with greater capabilities and accuracy. They chose Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN) in a down-select competition, awarding the prime contractor a $12.3 million contract to begin full rate production of HARM Control Section Modification (HCSM) upgrade units.
Modifications to the existing HARM include a GPS receiver and an improved inertial measurement unit (IMU) for precision navigation, as well as a digital flight computer that merges targeting solutions from navigation and seeker systems. These enhancements improve the probability of hit, while controlling where the missile can and cannot fly, says a representative.
"Raytheon's HCSM will provide the Air Force with enhanced capability and accuracy, while simultaneously reducing collateral damage or risk of fratricide," says Chuck Pinney, HARM program director for Raytheon Missile Systems. "HCSM will fill a critical capability need for the warfighter."
Raytheon will begin modifying existing HARMs early this year with delivery of HCSM units beginning in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Raytheon’s partners for the HCSM program include Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, and others.
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