Raytheon Company’s Missile Systems business broke ground for an all-up-round Standard Missile production facility in Huntsville, Ala. Raytheon will construct the state-of-the-art factory on the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal site.
When completed, the facility will provide final assembly and testing for Raytheon’s SM-3 and SM-6 missiles.
“ This new factory will enable us to provide our Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy customers with even greater capability ,” said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence , Raytheon Missile Systems president. “ Raytheon’s SM-3 is the centerpiece of the nation’s new missile defense strategy in Europe, and SM-6 will give the U.S. Navy a new, much-needed weapon system. ”
The 70,000 square-foot production facility will be constructed in two phases; each phase will be tied to SM-3 and SM-6 production contracts.
“ This new Raytheon factory means more jobs for Alabama and is a clear demonstration of Raytheon’s strong partnership with the state, ” said Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama . “ Raytheon continues to be an important piece of Alabama’s economic picture. ”
SM-3 is being developed as part of the MDA’s sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system. The missiles are deployed on U.S. Navy cruisers and destroyers and Japanese destroyers to defend against short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats in the ascent and midcourse phases of flight.
SM-6 is an extended range anti-air warfare missile. Fired from navy ships, SM-6 provides capabilities against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles.
Raytheon Company, with 2010 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 89 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 a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.
[mappress] Source: raytheon, June 28, 2011;