Article Posted on : - Aug 06, 2010

USS Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to get the next Aegis weapons system.

WASHINGTON (BNS): US Navy has awarded a USD 13.7 million worth contract to Raytheon Company for upgrading the Aegis weapons system for several Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers.

Under the Aegis modernisation contract, Raytheon will implement various ordnance alterations to enhance the weapons system's tracking performance and missile communication capabilities.

The upgrades will improve radio frequency signal generation, allow missile data downlink for ballistic missile defence operations, and enable operation with current missile configurations.

"These upgrades will strengthen the capabilities of Aegis, improving the reliability and effectiveness of this frontline weapons system," John Kelly, director of Sensor Systems in Raytheon was quoted as saying in the company news release.

This contract follows a recent USD 59.2 million award to Raytheon, under which the company will procure critical Aegis components for DDG 114 and DDG 115 – future Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

Raytheon's AN/SPY-1 radar transmitters and MK99 Fire Control Systems have been in production for 30 years as part of the US Navy's Aegis shipbuilding programme. In addition to supporting Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, the systems are also installed in Japan's Kongo-class destroyers and Spain's F100-class frigates.

Raytheon's transmitter and fire control systems are vital to the Aegis weapon system's ability to track and defend against multiple threats, including aircraft and missiles.