Raytheon Begins Low Rate Initial Production of Miniature Air Launched Decoy

BALTIMORE, Jul 24, 2008 (ASCRIBE NEWS via COMTEX) -- RTN | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- U.S. and allied aviators will soon have additional protection when flying in harm's way, according to Raytheon Company.

Through a June 18 decision by the U.S. Air Force, Raytheon said it will begin low rate initial production of the Miniature Air Launched Decoy.

"The LRIP decision means warfighters will soon have another tool to shape the battlespace," said Ken Watson, director of the U.S. Air Force's 692nd Armament Systems Squadron. "MALD protects aircrew and their aircraft by duplicating the combat flight profiles and signatures of U.S. and allied aircraft. This enhances the warfighter's ability to accomplish the mission and return home safely."

Raytheon said it anticipates a contract to begin full rate production later this year. The company will produce 150 decoys in the first production lot. This will meet a required asset availability date of fourth quarter 2009.

"Thanks to the teamwork with our Air Force partners and our suppliers, we rapidly moved from the first test flight to an LRIP decision," said Harry Schulte, Raytheon Missile Systems vice president of Air Warfare Systems.

In addition to protecting valuable aircraft, it was reported, MALD offers counter air operations to neutralize air defense systems that pose a threat to U.S. and allied pilots. The low cost, air-launched programmable craft weighs less than 300 pounds and has a range of approximately 500 nautical miles (about 575 statute miles).

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