TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon
Company (NYSE: RTN) and Bell Helicopter completed two successful
launches of the Griffin B missile from a Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey
multi-mission aircraft at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. As an industry funded effort with
Bell's Xworx, Raytheon demonstrated the simplicity of integrating
the Griffin B missile onto the V-22 platform.
"This is the first time a forward-firing missile has been
launched from the V-22," said Mike
Jarrett, vice president of Raytheon's Air Warfare Systems.
"It's an important aspect of the V-22's capability that integrates
a simple to operate, low-cost, precision strike missile – something
in which the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command has shown
significant interest."
Bell flight test crews launched two Griffin B missiles, scoring
direct hits from both hover mode and during conversion mode at 110
knots. The results highlight the Griffin B's versatility with its
unique ability to engage static and moving targets through a
significant range of launch speeds. The Griffin B missile has a
significant off-axis launch capability, allowing aircrews to
precisely strike targets to the left or right of the aircraft
flight path.
"The results of this test show how the defense industry can
partner to quickly put a new, needed capability in the hands of
frontline operators," said Jarrett. "Griffin B's successful shots
from the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey demonstrate that the missile is
flexible and able to integrate on a variety of platforms."
About Griffin
The Griffin missile is a multi-platform, multi-service weapon
that has a proven track record for successful rapid integration on
land, sea and air platforms. The combat-proven Griffin A
(AGM-176A) is an aft-eject missile designed for employment from
platforms such as the C-130 aircraft. The Griffin B (BGM-176B) is a
forward-firing missile capable of launching from rotary- and
fixed-wing aircraft, ground-launch applications and maritime
platforms. The Griffin missile is 43 inches long, weighs 33 pounds,
has a 13-pound warhead, and is in production today. Griffin enables
the warfighter to engage targets via a simple user interface and
guide the weapon to the target using GPS coordinates exclusively or
with laser designation. To maximize lethality, the user can choose
to engage the target with direct attack or high impact angle and
has the option of using height of burst, point detonation or
delayed fuzing.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2013 sales of $24 billion and 63,000 employees
worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in
defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a
history of innovation spanning 92 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 cyber security and a broad range of mission support
services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit
us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter
@Raytheon.
Media Contact
Ashley Mehl
+1.520.794.5142
rmspr@raytheon.com
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SOURCE Raytheon Company