PHOENIX - Tucson-based Raytheon Missile Systems has been awarded a $172.6 million contract to manufacture thousands of artillery shells for the U.S. Army.
The money will allow the company to start full-rate production of the Excalibur Ia-2, a longer-range shell than previous versions of the projectile.
According to the contract, Raytheon will provide the shells by the end of January 2013. Raytheon has been building the projectiles since 2007.
Excalibur is a 155-millimeter precision-guided artillery round that is in use with the Army and U.S. Marine Corps. It uses GPS precision guidance to come within about 30 feet of its target to limit collateral damage, Raytheon said.
Excalibur Ia-2 has a range of nearly 26 miles when fired from U.S. howitzers. The previous version, the Ia-1 has a range of 14 miles.
The projectiles give soldiers lifesaving options when close air support is unavailable, the company said, adding that more than 300 rounds have been fired in battle in the past year.
"War fighters need Excalibur because it provides a level of precision they simply cannot get with other artillery rounds," said Col. Michael Hartig, of the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence, in a statement.
He said the weapon's GPS precision is ideal for all types of terrain, including urban settings and areas where soldiers and Marines are close to the target.
In August 2010, the Army awarded Raytheon a contract to complete the design of the next generation: Excalibur Ib.
It is expected to leverage current technology but reduce costs by an estimated 50 percent.
Work for the contract will be performed in Tucson, 10 other U.S. cities, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
The money will allow the company to start full-rate production of the Excalibur Ia-2, a longer-range shell than previous versions of the projectile.
According to the contract, Raytheon will provide the shells by the end of January 2013. Raytheon has been building the projectiles since 2007.
Excalibur is a 155-millimeter precision-guided artillery round that is in use with the Army and U.S. Marine Corps. It uses GPS precision guidance to come within about 30 feet of its target to limit collateral damage, Raytheon said.
Excalibur Ia-2 has a range of nearly 26 miles when fired from U.S. howitzers. The previous version, the Ia-1 has a range of 14 miles.
The projectiles give soldiers lifesaving options when close air support is unavailable, the company said, adding that more than 300 rounds have been fired in battle in the past year.
"War fighters need Excalibur because it provides a level of precision they simply cannot get with other artillery rounds," said Col. Michael Hartig, of the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence, in a statement.
He said the weapon's GPS precision is ideal for all types of terrain, including urban settings and areas where soldiers and Marines are close to the target.
In August 2010, the Army awarded Raytheon a contract to complete the design of the next generation: Excalibur Ib.
It is expected to leverage current technology but reduce costs by an estimated 50 percent.
Work for the contract will be performed in Tucson, 10 other U.S. cities, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
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