The new generation sensor and targeting systems are designed to integrate optoelectronic and infrared sensors, detection software, control and surveillance tools, along with wired unmanned aerial vehicles.
US Navy warships are expected to be reinforced with a new level of situational awareness after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) chose Raytheon of RTX Corporation, a global aviation-defense giant, to develop sensor systems and target the next generation.
This system combines optoelectronic and infrared sensors, detection software and control tools to track potential threats in real time.
Tie-down drones will be deployed from a semi-automatic unmanned platform, towed by commercial transport ships or naval vessels. These devices carry sensors and transmit target data to remote operators, serving quick and grounded attack decisions.
Mr. Colin Whelan, Chairman of Advanced Technology at Raytheon, said: "Through this development, we are promoting important security technologies to support commercial sea transport in areas like the Red Sea.
He believes that by integrating proven expertise in the field of command and control, high-performance sensors and combat equipment, Raytheon will provide an expandable and reasonably costing solution, contributing to minimizing risks for both naval goods and assets.
The project is implemented in two phases. Phase one is implemented through simulation activities to assess the performance of the system as well as the operating procedures of the operator. Based on the results obtained, phase two will integrate launchers and combat equipment for testing in real conditions.
According to Mr. Raytheon, although designed primarily to protect vulnerable ships, the company said that this system can still be adjusted to meet naval and security missions in a wider range. In addition, the system also has the ability to provide automatic surveillance for medium and large unmanned surface ships, as well as manned warships, in many different combat areas.
